SHOULD YOU CAMP AT SKOGAFOSS WATERFALL IN ICELAND? A SHORT GUIDE.
Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls – a towering wall of water set against lush green cliffs and often graced by a shimmering rainbow. It’s well worth visiting, but if you’re wondering whether to camp at Skógafoss, here’s what to expect.
We stayed here in early June, just after finishing the Laugavegur Trail. Our plan had been to walk from Þórsmörk to Skógar via the Fimmvörðuháls trail, but the weather put an end to that idea. Instead, we took the highland bus and explored the area from the Skógar side.
I’d seen so many photos and reels featuring the famous waterfall, including images of tents camped in front of it. Whilst the walking and nature in Skógar, sadly the campsite is a little bit of an “Instagram versus reality” situation.
What’s the Campsite at Skógafoss Like?
In short the campsite in Skogar very basic.
Yes, it does allow you to pitch very close to the majestic waterfall. And that is special.
But, there’s no indoor cooking space, no communal shelter, and a few picnic tables –the one next to our tent was wonky enough to feel like a metaphor for the whole setup.
The toilets are shared with the public car park, and when we visited, only one women’s toilet was functioning. It’s not the kind of place where you’ll want to linger over your morning coffee. We wanted to leave as soon as we woke up, despite the beautiful setting. It all just felt a bit grubby.
The site feels more like a car park than a campground. People come and go all night – campervans pulling in late, tourists arriving at dawn on coaches. Whilst this can be an issue on many of Iceland’s campsites over summer, it’s particularly noticeable here because it’s such a popular tourist attraction. For campers, it means that the whole experience is just not restful.
That said, we loved getting some peaceful photos at the waterfall late at night when tourists weren’t around, and waking up with that view was still a highlight. It’s a stunning location – just not the magical romantic camping experience we’d imagined.
Cost of Camping at Skógafoss
The campsite costs 4,000 ISK for two people, which is relatively cheap by Icelandic standards. For that price, you’re paying for the view, not the facilities. You pay online via a QR code.
Should You Stay at Skógafoss or Just Visit?
Our honest advice? Visit the waterfall, spend a few hours hiking in the area, and then move on to a better-equipped campsite nearby. If you’re travelling by car or campervan, you’ll have plenty of options further along the Ring Road with better amenities and fewer crowds.
If you’re travelling by public transport or need to stay here, bring a self-contained cooking setup, and re-set your expectations.
We’re glad we visited – the waterfall really is as impressive as everyone says. But camping here? Not quite the experience we’d hoped for. If you’ve got flexibility, stay elsewhere and come for a few hours instead. Skógafoss deserves your time, but probably not your full night.
Tip – if you plan to visit the West Fjords (and you very much should) consider staying at Ísafjörður. Now that campsite is well worth your time. It is totally idyllic. And it has it’s very own waterfall and stream!
Things to Do at Skógafoss
Even if you skip the overnight stay, there’s lots to enjoy here:
- Climb the stairs to the top of the waterfall for panoramic views.
- Walk part of the Fimmvörðuháls trail, even if you’re not doing the full hike. The scenery is incredible – we saw several lesser-known waterfalls – many are within a 30 minute hike, or you can continue for longer.
- Grab a snack or a hot drink at the café near the car park. Mia’s Country Van is also a popular fast food place, serving up Icelandic style fish and chips – we didn’t hang around to visit, but it’s worth say that it has a 4.9 on google reviews.
How to Get to Skógafoss
By Car
Skógafoss is right off the Ring Road (Route 1), about 2 hours and 15 minutes east of Reykjavík. There’s a large car park at the base of the falls.
By Bus
During the summer months, you can take Strætó Bus 51 to and from Reykjavik. If you’re coming from Þórsmörk or Landmannalaugar, Highland buses run to and from Skógar via seasonal routes.
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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