Maine is quite possibly one of the most beautiful places to camp in the U.S. RVers have so many magnificent choices that it can be hard to decide where to go. Hopefully, this roundup of the best campgrounds in Maine can help you develop your bucket list.

5 of the Best Campgrounds in Maine

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Wilderness

Our trip to Iceland was like a dream from beginning to end. But our journey along Iceland’s South Coast was our absolute favorite part of the trip. This section of our road trip was filled with astonishing waterfalls, quiet hikes, delicious food, great campsites, and so much more.  Read on just below to learn more about this epic stretch of our trip.
To read about the first leg of our trip in Reykavik and along the Golden Circle–please click here.
To find out about 53 things you need to know before you go to Iceland–please click here.
To listen to Jeremy and Stephanie discuss the second part of their Iceland Road Trip–please click on the media player above or subscribe to The RV Atlas podcast wherever you get your favorite shows!
Use code rvatlas10 for 10 percent off a motorhome rental with Rent Easy Iceland AND free pickup and drop off from and to the KEF airport. Do not book the transportation as part of your reservation or you will be charged for it. Send an email or direct message on social media with arrival and departure dates and your pickup and delivery will be arranged from there. Our code CAN be combined with any other discounts available on their website. This is not an affiliate code and we do not earn a percentage from your reservation. We truly hope to inspire you to go to Iceland and we loved our experience with Rent Easy Iceland.
Two Amazing Waterfalls On the Road to Vik
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall is located just off of the Ring Road on the way to Vik and is about an hour and forty-five minutes away from Reykavik. This stunning 200 foot waterfall is an absolute must stop on your way to Vik–or on your way back–depending on your timing and travel plans. In the weeks before our trip (when we were in researching mode) this waterfall seemed to appear in photos and videos more than any other in Iceland This is no surprise considering how easy it is to visit–and considering the fact that you can walk all the way behind it. Make sure you wear a rain coat when you go. You won’t get soaked–but you will get wet!
Skogafoss Waterfall

Skogafass was our favorite waterfall out of the five that we visited. It felt wild and untamed and you could get right up close to the edge of it without guardrails of any kind in your way impeding you view.  Like Seljalandsfoss this majestic waterfall is located right off of the ring road about two and a half hours away from Reykavik and less than 30 minutes from Vik. Plenty of parking is available and the waterfall is just steps away from the parking lot. There are other hikes with waterfalls located above and behind the main waterfall for those that want to beat the crowds and enjoy a longer ramble.
Vik Campsite and Skool Beans Coffee

We loved Vik and the Vik Campsite so much that we stayed there on our way out to Skaftafell and Jokulsarlon and on the way back. We even changed our plans to do so. We initially planned on spending two nights at Skaftafell but we ditched our second night there to retain to Vik for good food and drink. The campsite was in a lovely spot just across the street from shopping, great restaurants, and the beach. With mountains on one side and the ocean on the other this location felt like a dream. Vik Campsite had a very friendly staff and all of the facilities were clean, comfortable and welcoming. The common area had a community kitchen and plenty of tables for enjoying a meal or hanging out–and the bathrooms and showers were plentiful and also immaculately clean. But at the end of the day it was all about the location. Being able to walk to breakfast or dinner (or for a drink at the local brewhouse) and walk back to the motorhome made this entire stop chill and relaxing. It didn’t hurt having Iceland’s most famous coffee house located right on the Vik Campsite’s property. Access to electricity is available and the overall price for this campsite for two of us was around $35 dollars US.
Skool Beans Coffee

Skool Beans Cafe is located just on the other side of the Vik Campsite’s common area and bathhouses and they serve up (arguably) the best cup of coffee in Iceland. Their shop is located in a school bus and it is warm, cozy, and inviting. We had the dark roast and the medium roast while we were there. The medium roast was very good. The dark roast was one of the best cups of coffee we have ever had–and all just steps away from our gorgeous campsite with mountain views.
The Village and Shops


The village of Vik is charming and chillaxed in just about every way. There are restaurants, brewpubs, a grocery store, a gas station, some great shopping, and more.  The Icewear and Vik Wool shop across the street from the campground was wonderful and packed with great clothing and gifts. We each bought our souvenirs for the trip here. This is the place to get a gorgeous wool sweater or hat–or even a book or a mug. they had just about everything. There are also plenty of clean public restrooms here.
Vik is a lovely town for strolling and the black sand beach is just steps past the shops. The famous Black Beach (Reynisfjara) is not right in front of Vik–you have to back track towards Reykavik about ten minutes. It is right on the other side of the Peninsula that can be viewed to the west of downtown Vik. You must still take caution on the beaches directly in front of Vik–but the infamously dangerous beach where numerous tourists have died is on the other side.
Black Beach (Reynisfjara)

We lost track of the number of times an Icelander told us to be careful when walking on the infamous Black Beach just west of Vik. A handful of tourists have died on this beach in the last 5-6 years so we did take those warnings seriously and you should too. Rogue or “sneaker waves” can materialize out of seemingly nowhere and surge onto the beach and knock a person down and then sweep them out to sea. So don’t walk too close to the water when you visit and don’t turn your back to the waves–ever. Besides the possibility of danger this is a lovely beach for a stroll and we saw puffins while we were there. They were hanging out on the rock outcroppings and swooping out over the waves.
This is a must stop during your stay in Vik.
Food and Drink in Vik
Black Crust Pizza

Black Crust Pizza is another must stop when you are camping or passing through the village of Vik. Listed below are the three pizzas we tried (and appetizer)–and they were all delicious. They are famous for the charcoal crusted black pizza dough–but we loved the sourdough crust just as much.

Pepperoni/Mushroom/Pepper Cheese/ Olives/ Sourdough Pizza 
Cherry Tomato/ Mozzarella/ Fresh Basil/ Sourdough Pizza
Black Crust/ Pizza/ Icelandic Cheeses/ Red Current Jelly/ Rose/ Pepper Parmesan
Black Crust Garlic Bread and Cheese

The vibe here was relaxed and chill and the selection of beer was excellent. We actually ended up eating here twice. Once on our first night in Vik and once on our second night in Vik after visiting the Glacial Lagoon and Diamond Beach in Jokulsarlon .
Strondin Pub

The Strondin Pub also had excellent food and drink and a nice, relaxed atmosphere close to the beach. The fish and chips was excellent and so was the Traditional Icelandic Fish Stew. Ask for some stickers before you leave–they have them behind the counter and they are free.
Smidjan Brewhouse

This wonderful brew house is located in the old section of town–which is still just a short walk away from the Vik Campsite. The staff was friendly and the selection of craft beers was excellent. If you are a beer lover then this is the stop for you in Vik.  The food here is also very tasty–we had an order of chicken wings and a brownie dessert to go along with our craft beers.
Skaftafell (Vatnajökull National Park)
Skaftafell
Skaftafell was an independent national park until 2008. But now it is part of the much larger Vatnajokull National Park whose dominant feature is the Vatnajokull Glacier. Skaftafell is often still referred to as Skaftafell National Park–so don’t get confused when it is.  After one night in Vik it was our plan to spend two nights at Skaftafell Campsite (which costs about 40 bucks per night for two people and electric) but we ended up spending one night and then hightailing it to Vik for another night of great food and drink. This is no knock on Skaftafell–which was absolutely one of the most beautiful spots on Iceland’s South Coast.  We just felt like we saw what we wanted to see in one afternoon and one morning and we felt like having another great meal in Vik.
Skaftafell Campsite

The campsite at Skaftafell (which does not take reservations) was truly beautiful–and peaceful and relaxing. There are 8 pitches (aka loops) here and about half of them are for tent campers and half for vans, caravans, and motorhomes that need electric. The campsites are at the base of the hiking trail to Svartifoss and the exceptionally lovely visitor center is just a short walk away.  We loved the views of the snowcapped mountains from our campsite and we also really appreciated the clean bathrooms and the free, hot showers. Everything at Skaftafell was delightful and remarkably uncrowded while we were there in May.
Skaftafell Hiking (Svartifoss and Vatnajokull Glacier)

The most popular day hike at Skaftafell is clearly the hike to the Svartifoss waterfall.  This moderate hike was 2 miles out and back with some slight elevation gain–especially at the beginning. This hike was not crowded while we were there–but there were certainly other people on the trial with us.  This was an awesome hike made particularly enjoyable by the fact that the trailhead began just steps away from our campsite.

The first hike we did in Skaftafell (soon after picking our site and parking our motorhome) was the short ramble to the edge of the glacier–which begins just past the visitor center. This is a super easy hike (less than two miles round trip) with little to no elevation gain–and we were practically alone on the trail. We saw one couple on the way out who stopped to tell us that they saw a fox. But we were completely alone by the glacier. We were also almost able to walk right up to the edge of the glacier—but a few streams and deep pools were in our way.
Jokulsarlon (Glacial Lagoon and Diamond Beach)




After we completed the hike to Svartifoss we headed further south to Jokulsarlon which was our furthest point away from Rekavik on the south coast. Jokulsarlon is a terrific end point for a south coast adventure and for those that are not proceeding further east to complete the entire ring road tour. The Glacial Lagoon at Jokulsarlon is clearly one of the most photographed spots in the country. After all, you can park your van or motorhome with a direct view of giant, electric blue icebergs floating by in the sparkling water just past the parking lot.
Those icebergs either wash out to sea or wash back in on the black sand beach at the end of the river-mouth just a short walk away from the Glacial Lagoon. This beach is fittingly called Diamond Beach because of the stunning chunks of ice that wash ashore there. It was a beautiful dreamlike place to take a stroll on the beach and pick up stunning, multicolored chunks of ice that are taking up temporary residence on the beach.
We can’t wait to return to Iceland. This beautiful country is calling us back already. Maybe next time we will tackle the entire ring road, or the Westfjords, or the North, or the Highlands. We are not sure what the next trip will entail–but we are certain we want to go back.
 
 
 
 
 
The post Iceland Road Trip Part 2: The South Coast (Vik, Skaftafell, Jokulsarlon) appeared first on The RV Atlas.

Iceland Road Trip Part 2: The South Coast (Vik, Skaftafell, Jokulsarlon)

Iceland is one of those places that is simply PERFECT for road tripping! The size is manageable, the landscapes are awe inspiring, and the culture is truly amazing. And, the camping culture is particularly awesome. If an Iceland road trip is moving off of your bucket list and onto your to-do list, this post will help you plan your trip, as we share our itinerary, tips, and first-hand experiences from our recent trip.
If you can’t tell, Iceland simply knocked us off our feet, so we are bringing you a 3-part series all about our trip. Click here to find out 53 Things To Know Before You Go, then read this post to hear about the first part of our trip (Reykavik and the Golden Circle), and then check back for the next post to hear about the rest of our trip along the South Coast.
We had so much help planning our itinerary from Icelanders and those experienced visitors, and we just want to pay it forward! We hope this helps inspire you to plan your own Iceland road trip.
Use code rvatlas10 for 10 percent off a motorhome rental with Rent Easy Iceland AND free pickup and drop off from and to the KEF airport. Do not book the transportation as part of your reservation or you will be charged for it. Send an email or direct message on social media with arrival and departure dates and your pickup and delivery will be arranged from there. Our code CAN be combined with any other discounts available on their website. This is not an affiliate code and we do not earn a percentage from your reservation. We truly hope to inspire you to go to Iceland and we loved our experience with Rent Easy Iceland.
How Much Does an Iceland Road Trip Cost?

The number one question we have received about our Iceland RV road trip is: How much did it cost? We always hate to put a number on things since costs greatly vary by your own tastes, the time of year you visit, location, and so much more. But, here are some facts:

AIRFARE: We only paid $500 per person for airfare from JFK since we live on the East Coast. Obviously, you’ll pay more if you have to fly from the other side of the country or a more remote location. TIP: Use Google Flights to find out the typical airfare and to set up alerts if prices go up and down. We flew Delta, but we’ve heard you can find good deals from PLAY, which is a budget airline.
MOTORHOME RENTAL: For a ballpark figure, expect to pay around $300 per night as a very general figure.  Again, costs will vary by season and many other variables. The best way to get a cost idea is to go to the Rent Easy Iceland website and punch in some dates and options to get true costs.
CAMPSITE PRICES: Prices seemed to be around $20-$70 a night, with our costs more often being $40-50. So, all in with the RV rental, you are under $400 a night, which definitely near the same price or less than most hotels in Iceland. Aside from the price, road tripping in a motorhome is a great way to explore the country because you can easily move from stop to stop with your home on wheels.
DIESEL: We paid around $8 per gallon and got 23 miles per gallon. So, this was also a cost, but it was less than we expected.
MEALS: We ate out and thought the prices were quite comparable to home, so food likely won’t cost more than a usual road trip in the U.S. One great thing to note is that there are no tips. So, the costs may look high up front, but they actually aren’t. If you are looking to save money, plan to cook in the motorhome.
ACTIVITIES: This is another spot where costs will really vary. Some people add a lot of tours and day trips, which can be pricy. As we discuss our itinerary below, we’ll try to share some of the costs of these popular stops and activities.

If you want to hear all of the details from our recent Iceland road trip, click play on the media player above or look for The RV Atlas in your favorite podcast app. 
Blue Lagoon
Blue Lagoon
We started our journey at the phenomenal Blue Lagoon. After a plane ride, it’s the perfect place to unwind and to get your first taste of Iceland. We paid around $104 per person for the upgraded “Premium” package that included the experience, 2 drinks, showering before and after, and a bathrobe. One great tip is that there is a line for the people with the base package, and this Premium upgrade let us skip the line.
Paying for the upgrade is really just the same as paying for drinks, and the drinks were absolutely worthwhile. We tried out the juices and really enjoyed them. If you go, check out the Green is Good and the Forever Fresh! Seriously delicious! The spa has a cafeteria (grab-and-go style) or a restaurant. We opted for the cafeteria, and it was definitely better than the typical grab-and-go fare in the U.S. Think sushi, cheese platters, etc.
Yes, the Blue Lagoon is touristy. But, it truly didn’t feel like a gimmick. It offered a nice, relaxing spa experience. It was huge and beautiful. (And no, the sulfur wasn’t too stinky and the naked shower wasn’t too creepy. Don’t worry!). We definitely recommend this as your welcome to Iceland as you leave the airport. Just know that volcanic eruptions can interrupt your plans, as it has had to close on occasion.
Picking Up the Motorhome From Rent Easy Iceland


Rent Easy Iceland picked us up at the Blue Lagoon, making it super convenient to go pick up our motorhome. This wasn’t special treatment–you can get picked up, too if you use our discount code listed at the top of this post.
While at Rent Easy Iceland, you’ll get the full motorhome walkthrough from Diddi or Gardar–the brothers that own this Rent Easy Station. These two brothers are real campers themselves and they will really help you feel comfortable with your rental before you hit the road.
Reykavik Eco Campsite (First Night)


Here’s another important tip: Don’t book a campground too far from where you pick up your motorhome. Our first stop at Reykavik Eco-Campsite was maybe 20 minutes down the road from Rent Easy Iceland, and that was enough for our first busy day of travel. This campground is right in Reykavik, giving you easy access to a lot of amenities.
This campground is in Reykavik, but it’s not in the popular downtown area. So, to get to some of the more “famous” Reykavik restaurants and attractions, you would need to drive or take a cab. Since you probably won’t want to park the motorhome, we really recommend taking a cab.
We really liked the vibe of this campground and had a great stay! It was the most expensive of the campgrounds we stayed at, but we weren’t surprised since we were in the city. It’s a great place to begin and end your trip. (We opted for a hotel for our final night, though, since we had an early flight out the next morning).
Your Friend in Reykavik Traditional Food Tour

To get an introduction to Icelandic foods, we booked a traditional food tour with Your Friend in Reykavik. If you wonder why the food in Iceland is the way it is, this tour will tell you! It’s really fascinating to hear about how the history and location affected food preservation and traditions.
We didn’t book a private tour, but we ended up being the only people on the tour, and we had a great guide. So, this ended being a really cool experience! You’ll get to try all kinds of things and will learn so much about the stews, waffles, hot dogs, fermented shark–and so much more! Plus, as you walk around the city, it’s easy to fall in love with Reykavik.
Don’t forget that you can check out this post/episode to hear more about these foods and some of our experiences, and click play on the media player above to hear us share more experience about all of the great things on this itinerary!
Breakfast at Bread and Co.

We had our first breakfast in Iceland at Bread and Co., and wow, we seriously fell in love with the breads. Everything was SO SO good! TIP: Grab some breads to go. They are the perfect road trip snack. Another tip, remember to call coffee “Americano” if you want a regular cup of coffee. Just note that they are smaller than our usual serving sizes in the U.S.
There are multiple locations, so make sure you GPS the correct location to find one near the campground.
Snorkeling at Silfra (Thingvellir National Park)

With bellies full of bread and coffee, we drove right to Thingvellir National Park, which was around an hour away in what is called Iceland’s “Golden Circle.” Stephanie had book a snorkeling tour through DIVE.IS. She did the Silfra tour, during which you will snorkel through tectonic plates, which is a truly unique experience.
The water is super clear, so you can see far underwater. You can see the tectonic plates moving. You can even drink the water! Yes, that does seem unimaginable, but it truly is sparkling clean. Plus, the landscape above water is also stunning, with snow-capped peaks (see those above!) and a waterfall hike (more on that below).
Prices start at around $200 and go up from there, depending on what options you need/add. You do wear a dry suit, and it can feel like a lot, especially if you’ve never done it. Plus, your hands do get cold since they aren’t covered in wet suit material.
Oxararfoss Waterfall Hike in Thingvellir National Park

While at Thingvellir National Park, we decided to do the hike to Oxararfoss Waterfall. It’s a mile each way, making for two miles round trip. The hike is easy enough, and the waterfall was really lovely. It didn’t end up being our very favorite waterfall, but it’s a nice way to get a taste of this national park.
Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths

Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths offer a similar experience to Blue Lagoon. We liked it even better! The price range was around $35.00 per person. You can also add on an experience where they teach you about the geothermal rye-bread baking traditions–which happen underground. We didn’t do it, but it looked really interesting.
Tips: The bread and soup bar was quite good! We paid to rent towels, and it was really unnecessary. Also, if you are looking to save money, we would pick this over Blue Lagoon, especially if you have kids to pay for, as well. You can also go to the community pools, but you won’t get a spa experience.
The Geysir Geyser

The geyser named Geysir, appropriately enough, is a very popular stop on Iceland road trips of the Golden Circle. We must confess that we were a little underwhelmed by this. Maybe that’s because we’ve been to Yellowstone. So, we definitely don’t want to diss it, but it wasn’t our favorite…especially when there are so many other wonderful things to see.
Another reason we might not have loved Geysir is because we drove a long way to get there because we went off the Golden Circle loop for other adventures. So, we may have been a bit tired! If it’s on your way or if you’ve never seen a geyser, it is worth a stop. Don’t let us bring you down!
The Old Dairy Food Hall in Selfoss

Next up was a meal at Old Dairy Food Hall in Selfoss. This was such a cool experience! The food hall is like a mall food court, but with trendier street-style or food-truck style fares. We walked around for 15 minutes trying to decide between a ton of great options. It’s nice because everyone can pick their own options and then gather together at the large central tables.
Reykjarmork Campsite in Hveragerdi (Second Night)

After a fully adventurous day, we were ready to tuck in for the night at our second campsite, the Reykjarmork Campsite in Hveragerdi. This was a charming little spot with lovely surroundings. The bathrooms and showers weren’t super clean, so that can be a turn off (luckily, we had showered at the Fontana spa earlier).
The town of Hveragerdi is pretty cool in its own right. Stop by the visitor center. You can find a marked spot where you are technically standing in two continents because of the tectonic plates. The town swimming pool also was highly recommended, but we didn’t have time to get there. We really enjoyed the Almar Bakery and had quite an experience shopping for groceries like a local at Bónus. It had Aldi’s vibes! TIP: You can press a button to change the digital display to English!!
Snowmobiling on Langjokull Glacier with Mountaineers of Iceland


Snowmobiling on Langjokull Glacier with Mountaineers of Iceland was the experience of a lifetime! It all starts with the drive. Look at the picture of the truck above–it’s really crazy! Then, snowmobiling was super fun and exciting. The guides help keep you safe, even if you have never ridden a snowmobile before. Now, they can be a little hard to drive, depending on how you place yourself and your partner. So, if you feel uncomfortable one way, try switching places!
We cannot tell you enough how beautiful it was to be on top of a glacier. We were lucky enough to have blue skies, adding even more to the beauty. As far pricing, it was around $200 per person. So, we do think this was worth it, though we know that can be expensive for a family. When traveling with our kids, we do try to pick at least one special experience whenever we can. Going as a couple gave us a little more freedom to pay for these kinds of extras.
If you want to hear us stumble through our Icelandic pronunciations and hear more details about all of these adventures, click play on the media player above!
Gullfoss Waterfall

The Gullfoss Waterfall is huge, powerful, and stunning! It’s definitely worth seeing, especially if you do the snowmobile tour since the trail is right where you get dropped off. Even as cool as it is, it still wasn’t our favorite waterfall. More on those to come in the next post! We have so much more to tell you about!
So, have you booked your flight to Iceland yet? If you’re not quite convinced that you want to take a Iceland road trip, check back to hear about the second part of our trip, which was really our favorite!
The post Iceland Road Trip Part 1: Reykavik and the Golden Circle appeared first on The RV Atlas.

Iceland Road Trip Part 1: Reykavik and the Golden Circle

Have you ever dreamed of booking an Iceland RV Rental and taking an epic road trip across the country? We have had that dream for many years–and recently turned it into a reality. The kids stayed at home for this one–and the trip was very much a sneak peek of what travel might look like for us when they fly the coop. We booked a 22 foot (automatic) motorhome rental from Rent Easy Iceland and had an incredible experience with them from start to finish. Below are are 53 things you should know before you go. Read this post so you are prepared and ready to have the trip of a lifetime.
To listen to Jeremy and Stephanie talk about 53 things you need to know before you take an RV rental  trip to Iceland–click on the media player above or subscribe to The RV Atlas wherever you get your favorite shows.
Use code rvatlas10 for 10 percent off a motorhome rental with Rent Easy Iceland AND free pickup and drop off from and to the KEF airport. Do not book the transportation as part of your reservation or you will be charged for it. Send an email or direct message on social media with arrival and departure dates and your pickup and delivery will be arranged from there. Our code CAN be combined with any other discounts available on their website. This is not an affiliate code and we do not earn a percentage from your reservation. We truly hope to inspire you to go to Iceland and we loved our experience with Rent Easy Iceland.
Icelandic Culture
Blue Lagoon
1. Iceland is easy to get to. We flew direct from JFK for $500 each. For us this is closer, easier, and less expensive than flying to Yellowstone, Glacier, and California. Iceland is not Antarctica. It’s easier to get to than most people think.
2. Almost everyone speaks English in Iceland. Every single Icelander we met spoke English–and very good English at that. Iceland may look like another planet–but communicating there is very easy.
3. Iceland is (for the most part) very welcoming to tourists. Generally speaking–Icelanders like tourism. It is currently the number one driver of their economy. They also like Americans and American culture, music, and television. Iceland is a European country but very different than other  European countries we have visited.
4. Iceland is one of the cleanest countries we have ever visited. Period! End of story. Every town and national park we visited was meticulously clean. This is partly due to the small population of the country–but also due to a love of neatness and order.  Almost every restroom, shower, and spa we visited was spotless.
5. Icelandic people are “can do” entrepreneurial but also easy going and relaxed. Life moves at a more relaxed pace in Iceland (when compared to America at least) even though they are “can do” people.  Their unofficial national saying is “Thetta Reddest” which translates to “It will all work out.” This saying really does crystalize the essence of the Icelandic people–at least in our eyes.

6. Icelandic spa and thermal bath culture is amazing. There are big (heavily) touristed thermally heated spas like Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon–and then there are smaller community pools that also have warm water and showers. There is also everything in-between these two extremes.  If you don’t go to a spa or community pool–did you really go to Iceland?
7. The population of Iceland is 382,000–the country is not crowded when it comes to driving, parking, etc… 60 percent of those people live in in the greater Reykjavik area.
8. Free drinking water is available everywhere and it is fresh and good. Icelanders are proud of their drinking water and they should be.
9. Clean bathrooms are available just about everywhere that tourists might go. At least along the Golden Circle and along the south coast where we visited.
10. We found driving in Iceland (even Reykavik) to be easy and the roads are good. This was in MAY–not winter–and along the south coast.
11. Drive the speed limit or let people pass by putting your blinker on and slowing down. There is not a lot of traffic though and this was not really a stressful issue.
12. They drive on the right side of the road. This made driving there quite a bit less stressful. Though we have driven on the left side before in Ireland.
13. You need to bring appropriate layers of clothing to Iceland. Bring those layers with you everywhere. We had temps in the low 50’s almost every day in May. But the weather can change quickly–light rain comes and goes.  You should also bring real hiking shoes and bring long underwear for hikes and outdoor excursions–something good quality like Merino Wool.
14. Reykjavik is an incredible European city with great food and culture-–plan to spend at least a day there before heading out into the countryside. The Reykavik Eco Campsite is in the city and makes exploring the city easy.
15. Once you leave Reykavik the natural world is amazing and the population drops. You will start finding hiking, waterfalls, beaches, rivers, and incredible vistas almost immediately. 
Diamond Beach, Iceland
16. The most common first trip with an Iceland RV Rental is Reykavik, the Golden Circle, and the Southern Coast to Vik or Skaftafell–we went as far as Diamond Beach and headed back to Vik and then Reykavik–spending one more night in each place.
17. Iceland is not Disney World--there are things there that can killl you. Use common sense.
18. Consider the shoulder seasons of May and September for better pricing and even less crowded conditions.
19. Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere. We did not touch Icelandic Currency (Krona). One time we needed Icelandic coins for the pay showers at the Vik Campsite. They gave them to us for free. You can purchase them with credit card when you pay for your site.
Icelandic Camping Culture
Hveragerdi Campsite
20. In Iceland they are called campsites not campgrounds.  Their camping culture is amazing and there are campgrounds (uh… campsites) all over the country. Most are not all open all year though–so do your homework before you go.
21. Many guidebooks say reservations for campsites are not required. But we think that is changing. Our best tip is to make reservations whenever you can—and don’t show up late if possible. Have a backup plan if you are going in high season—but ultimately it all works out pretty easily.  Campsite prices ranged between 20-60 dollars per night while we there. Electric requires an additional fee.
22. Access to electricity was available at every campground we visited. There is not electric at every campsite–but many loops have a pedestal with multiple hookup points. Rent Easy Iceland includes a long power cord that will easily reach these pedestals.
23. You dump the tanks for your Iceland Motorhome Rental at gas stations or at public car washes. We know–this is weird for an American to do–but it worked out fine.
24. At some campsites you can’t reserve a particular site. If you leave and come back you may need to pick a different site. Sometimes you have all of the room in the world–sometimes the RVs are stacked up.
25. Individual campsites are not always well-defined in Iceland. Someone can pull in right next to you and other times there will be no one else around. Sometimes (within one campsite) they will have defined sites–and rows where the RV’s can be very stacked up.
26. Icelandic campgrounds are awesome but they are fairly simple. They often have common rooms for cooking, bathrooms, and showers–but not many amenities like playgrounds, pools etc. 
27. Campsites are often located right in the small towns and within walking distance of community pools, restaurants etc. In several situations we were able to walk to get dinner and drinks and then walk back.
28. You can pull in and pay in the morning in some situations–you can pay by app in other situations. Sometimes the welcome center or pay station is only open for certain hours and may be closed when you arrive—don’t panic! Pull in and grab a site.
29. Occasionally campsites have community showers like at the Vik Campsite. But many places have private showers like Skaftafell. Three of the days on our trip we went to a spa/pool and just showered there.
30. Some showers require Icelandic coins which can be purchased when you check in and pay for your site.
31. NATIONAL PARKS ARE JOYFULLY UNCROWDED, We were completely alone on at least one hike to the Glacier at Skaftafell. We parked everywhere easily. Stephanie kept saying this must be like what American national parks were like in the 1970’s and 1980s.
Iceland RV Rental Culture (and Van Rental Culture)
Skogafoss (Near Vik)
32. Using an Iceland RV Rental is a very common and popular way to see the country–and it may be the best way to see the country. Many spots are one and done. You stay one night and move on. Hopping from hotel to hotel seems exhausting to us.
33. An Iceland motorhome rental or van rental is not cheap–but neither are hotels. And you can easily cook your own food and save money that way. This would be impossible to do in a hotel.
Interior of Etrusco Motorhome Rental from Rent Easy Iceland
Motorhome Rental From Rent Easy Iceland
34. Everything about European RVs is smaller and more compact. Don’t  book an Iceland motorhome rental and expect something the size and complexity of an American RV.
35. Consider a small motorhome–not a van. We loved working with Rent Easy Iceland. They have a fleet of small motorhomes (from 22 to 24 feet) that come in manual and automatic.  These come with efficient Truma Combi’s for heat and hot water. We used less than one tank of propane during our weeklong stay. You can also add on a linens package which was a must for us because we were flying in from America. The owners of this Rent Easy Station (brothers Diddi and Gardar) have imported American pop up campers, and they are currently an iKamper RTT dealer. They are both outdoorsmen who love camping very much and understand the needs of American customers very well. Their fleet of Etrusco Motorhomes is gorgeous and they have floorplans that can sleep up to 5 and have seatbelts for up to 5.
36. You can rent a motorhome and bring your kids. This would be difficult to do in a van–particularly if you have bigger kids like we do. We opted to take a couple’s trip which also saved us quite a bit of money.
37. Fuel is not cheap–but the small motorhomes are very fuel efficient.  At the time of this writing it costs 8 dollars per gallon for diesel in Iceland.  But our 2024 Etrusco motorhome averaged 23.5 MPG. So it balanced out a little bit in the end.
Skaftafell
38. One night is enough at most places–even National Parks. This caused us to change our plans on the fly after one night in Skaftafell. After completing two of the most popular hikes at Skaftafell we decided to head back to Vik for dinner and another night at the awesome campsite there.
39. You can be spontaneous like it used to be here in America. As mentioned above, we changed our itinerary on the fly. Instead of a second night in Skaftafell we headed back to Vik for a great meal and to be closer to Reykavik on our last full day.
40. Even motorhomes can have cassette toilets in Iceland. We had a cassette toilet–like our old pop up had–we did a no #2 rule and it worked great. The cassette toilet is easy to remove and dump once you find an appropriate place to do so. We did not shower in the motorhome but could have if we felt the need.
Icelandic Food Culture
Black Crust Pizza
41. Icelandic food culture is amazing and very diverse–with both traditional food and ethnic food.  They have awesome pastries and breakfast options at bakeries in just about every town we visited. Sourdough and rye bread seem to be Icelandic specialties. We had amazing bread there and often would buy an extra loaf to bring with us and snack on in the motorhome.
42. Good food like food truck food) is often available in national parks and tourist spots–not just mediocre burgers, fries and pizza like we often get stuck with at home.
43. Shopping in an Icelandic grocery store is a lot like shopping in a grocery store at home. We found prices to be comparable too.

44. The easiest way to save money is to cook and use your motorhome kitchen and outdoor grill if provided. But the food is so good and not to be missed if you can swing the expense. You could do a foodie tour in Iceland if you wanted to. There are food trucks even at somewhat remote locations. We loved the food trucks at Diamond Beach which was as far east as we went. The lobster rolls were very good there. We did not make a single meal in the RV–but we could have. We also did not make coffee in the RV–they had it everywhere we went.
45. Prices are high in Iceland–but so are prices in America. We found food and activity costs to be very much like the northeast in America—-all of the guidebooks we used make it sound so expensive though.
46. Serving sizes for coffee and food are smaller than in America. Jeremy almost started ordering two AMERICANOS.
47. Candy and sweets are very popular. There are great chocolate and licorice options everywhere.

48. Eat the hot dogs Not the fermented shark. Icelandic hot dogs are awesome and not just a dumb tourist gimmick. Iceland fermented Shark was gross and felt gimmicky.
49. Stock up and refuel in towns before heading somewhere remote. It was not as remote as we thought in a certain sense–but research your itinerary and options for fuel and groceries before heading into less populated parts of the country.
Further Inspiration for an Iceland Motorhome Rental

50. Read The Little Book of Tourists in Iceland by Alda Sigmundsdóttir to learn a ton about the culture in a short easy book. You can purchase a copy here.
51. Watch the Vivid Iceland YouTube channel.
52. Watch the Chris Burkard Documentaries about surfing and cycling in Iceland. Even if you do not plan on surfing or cycling. They are incredible. 
53. People that go love to go BACK for another Iceland RV Rental. They often head to the he Snaefellness Peninsula, the Westfjords, and the north for a second and third trip—-adventurous people might even head into the Icelandic Highlands in a 4X4 and camp in more remote locations,
If you are dreaming of an Iceland RV Rental we encourage you to start planning and make that dream come true. It was the trip of a lifetime for us.
The post Iceland RV Rental Adventures: 53 Things To Know Before You Go appeared first on The RV Atlas.

Iceland RV Rental Adventures: 53 Things To Know Before You Go

In the first segment of the show we have a huge announcement to make about an upcoming international RV trip that we taking this month. You will have to tune in to the podcast to find out more. And in the second (much longer) segment of the show we will be covering four major trends from KOA’s 2024 North American Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report (which is celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2024.) We have covered major trends from the report since its inception 10 years ago and always love digging into the data.
Stephanie summarized some major trends in this year’s report over on the blog at Park Vendor Review. You can read that summary of major trends right here.
To read a high level overview of the report itself —please click here.
On the podcast we discuss the rise of “blended trips” where campers stay at more than one type of accommodation during a single trip. Then we discuss the decline of tent camping and the meteoric rise of glamping. We end the show by discussing how the boomers are back! Many boomers stayed away from camping and all kinds of travel during the pandemic–but they are returning to campgrounds in droves this year!
To listen to Jeremy and Stephanie discuss all of those trends and more click on the media player above–or subscribe to The RV Atlas wherever you get your favorite shows!
The post Huge Announcement! + 5 Trends from KOA’s 2024 Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report appeared first on The RV Atlas.

Huge Announcement! + 5 Trends from KOA’s 2024 Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report

The Pacific Northwest is one of the greatest places in America for camping and outdoor adventure. Our 26-day trip to Washington State, Oregon, and the California Redwoods was one for the record books. We are definitely jonesing for a return trip. When we do return we definitely want to camp at Champoeg State Heritage Area. On this week’s episode of The RV Atlas podcast we are thrilled to welcome Kristy Dobie from Willa Wanders on to the show for a terrific review of this campground and all of the awesome things you can see and do (and eat and drink) nearby.

To listen to Jeremy interview Kristy please click on the media player above–or subscribe to the RV Atlas wherever you get your favorite shows! Or just read on for this guest post from Kristy. It has all of the details you need to plan a trip to Champoeg and the Willamette Valley. Thanks to Kristy for sharing her knowledge of the area and for sharing her wonderful photos!
Kristy Dobie from @willawanders
Photo by Kristy Dobie
Since 2019, Kristy Dobie has hit the road with Willa, her Airstream Trailer. With her adventurous pup, and Sony camera by her side, she has documented the journey on Instagram, TikTok, and other social media accounts. @WillaWanders is an RV and outdoor travel account that features landscape, wildlife, travel, and lifestyle photography, as well as travel itineraries and tips. Since Kristy also worked as a teacher for over a decade, conservation education is woven into her travel content with the hopes of inspiring action and respect for nature. More recently, Kristy has added international travel to her list of adventures by hosting group trips with likeminded travelers.
Champoeg State Heritage Area and The Willamette Valley
Photo by Kristy Dobie
The Willamette Valley is a large region of Oregon that includes fertile farmland from outside of Portland down south of Eugene. Champoeg State Heritage Area is perfectly situated 7 miles east of the town of Newberg and is surrounded by wine country and some excellent dining. This is a great spot to use as a basecamp to explore Northern Oregon, including day trips to the Oregon Coast or the Columbia Gorge and Mount Hood.
Champoeg State Heritage Area is special because it helps preserve the history of the region. Unlike many other mountainous parts of our state, this campground is in a more pastoral setting along the Willamette River.
There are lots of walking and biking paths that wind through groves of trees and pastures that are home to deer and many bird species. Families may also enjoy visiting the historical museums on site or making use of the fishing and boating dock. The campground is great for a variety of campers since it includes cabin and yurt rentals as well as tent and RV camping. 
Photo by Kristy Dobie
There are three different aspects of history that local museums like to focus on: the time prior to 1840, the start of Oregon’s state government, and the area’s historical importance as a transportation hub.
Prior to 1840: The Champoeg prairie was home to Kalapuya Indians. Their tribe used the area for hunting, fishing, and gathering camas bulbs, which were a staple in their diet. In 1811, fur trappers first visited the area.
The Seeds of Government: Let’s flash forward to 1841 –  area settlers began holding meetings that were appropriately known as “wolf meetings” so they could discuss problems with predators. Eventually, the meetings began discussing larger issues, and in 1843, the settlers narrowly voted to establish a new provisional government for the area.
Transportation Hub: Champoeg is also known as a historical transportation hub. Although this provisional government moved in 1844, Champoeg’s location on the river made it a regular stop for stagecoaches and steam boats. Champoeg remained an important transportation link until a disastrous flood led to its total abandonment in 1892.
The Campground at Champoeg State Heritage Area
Photo by Kristy Dobie
There are two main loops in the campground with a mix of the following site types:

21 full-hookup sites (sewer, electricity, water) and
67 electric sites with water and
6 tent sites
6 yurts (D,E & F are pet friendly) and
6 cabins (C4, C5 and C6 are pet friendly)
3 group tent camping areas
RV group camping loop with meeting hall
 Hiker/biker camp

For RVers, the B loop has more spacious sites and full hookups. Some of those spots are pull-thru, too. During peak season, which is generally from late spring through the fall, weekend spots will regularly sell out in advance. But with many sites available, it’s common to find last-minute cancellations online. So keep checking if the dates that you’re hoping to book are full.
In the A loop of the campground, spots are closer together and many lack privacy. But the B loop is much better in that regards.
Water and electric sites are currently $31 per night. Full hookup sites are a whopping $2 more at $33 per night.
Amenities are limited–but they do offer the following:

Flush toilets and hot showers
 RV dump station
Ice and Campfire wood for purchase (suggestion: buy locally to prevent spread of pests)

in addition to the prairies, forest, riverside paths, and well-maintained campground, you may also want to visit the visitor center or tour the pioneer village, barn, and farmstead. 
Pro tips from a local: Do not use an umbrella or you’ll look like a tourist. We wear rain coats with hoods year round. Like most places in Oregon, waterproof shoes are helpful when visiting during the rainy season (late fall through spring)
Best Time of Year To Visit?

You will experience the best weather from late spring through fall. Rain isn’t uncommon, even into June. July and August bring dry/hot weather. We do occasionally see a week with triple digits in summer. The fall is a beautiful time of year to visit Oregon. Just know that depending on the severity of wildfires, some regions may be smoky in August and September. (Usually this applies to the Columbia Gorge and Central Oregon, like Bend)
Things To Do In and Around the Willamette Valley
Photo by Kristy Dobie

One of the advantages of this location is how many day trips you can take in the area!
From this campsite, it would take approximately 30-40 mins to visit downtown Portland:

Oregon Zoo is excellent and known for their state-of-the-art elephant habitat
Hike forest park – At 5,200 acres, Portland’s Forest Park is one of the largest urban forests in the United States.
Walk along the river at the waterfront
Visit one of the many gardens: Rose Garden, Japanese Garden


just under two hours to visit the iconic haystack rocks in Cannon Beach at the Oregon Coast
about 2 hours to visit Mount Hood or the scenic Columbia Gorge:

Multnomah Falls – iconic waterfall in Oregon with bridge across the front
Incredible hiking – check alltrails for current conditions
Try a brewery in Hood River
Drive the Fruit Loop, especially in the fall, visiting farms/vineyards/local artisans along the way
Make time to stop for ice cream and amazing food at the very instagramable Sugar Pine Drive Inn


Most popular activity in the area is wine tasting:

Wine Tasting: Stoller – one of the most well-known vineyards in the region. Always delicious and amazing views.
 Sokol Blosser – beautiful tasting room, excellent charcuterie board
Archer Vineyards (which also has an RV resort located at one of their tasting rooms) – great staff
Hazlefern Cellars (family owned, could not be nicer, fun playlists!)
Chris James Cellars (delicious wine, Harvest Host location)
Argyle Winery for sparkling wine.
Be sure to try an Oregon Pinot



Recommendations for Food and Drink
Photo by Kristy Dobie
If you’re a foodie, you’re in the right spot! Wine country is full of amazing places to eat!

Breakfast:

From Russia with Love- coffee, tea, smoothies, russian foods. I suggest trying a savory pastry with your drink from their drive-through coffee cart.


Lunch/Dinner:

Local burger chain: Burgerville. Try the seasonal milkshakes.
Red Hills Market: upscale food market with great options for picnics or dining in: pizzas, sandwiches, and more. This is very popular, even with locals.
Lemon and Olive: Great gyros with deliciously seasoned smash potatoes on the side
Rosmarino Osteria: Authentic italian. You have to try the burrata, which melts in your mouth. Be sure to get reservations in advance.
Trellis: burgers, pasta – everything is delicious and servers are friendly. Try for lunch or dinner.
Fine dining: Jory at the Allison Inn. It’s very upscale, but offers delicious high-end food in a beautiful resort and spa environment. I’ll also add that their spa is incredible if you are in need of relaxation.



Thanks again to Kristy for joining us on the podcast and sharing her knowledge of the campground (and the entire region) right here on the blog! We hope to have Kristy back on the show again soon! In the meantime–make sure you follow all of her adventures at Willa Wanders!
The post Oregon’s Champoeg State Heritage Area Campground (With Kristy from Willa Wanders) appeared first on The RV Atlas.

5 of the Best Campgrounds in Maine

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