Camping in Iceland: Just Drive Offers Rooftop Tents as a Campervan Alternative

Looking for a More Adventurous Way to Camp in Iceland? Try a Rooftop Tent SUV with Just Drive Car Rental.

Ásbrú, Iceland – July 18, 2026 / Just Drive Car Rental Iceland /

ÁSBRÚ, ICELAND — July 17, 2026 — Travelers planning an Iceland road trip no longer have to choose only between a conventional rental car, ground tent or full-size campervan.

Just Drive Car Rental is introducing brand-new Dacia Dusters equipped with rooftop tents for the Iceland travel season. The setup gives couples and traveling companions a practical way to drive, camp and explore Iceland without converting the back of their rental vehicle into a bed every night.

The new vehicles and camping equipment arrive as rooftop-tent travel becomes an increasingly visible alternative for visitors who want a genuine outdoor experience but prefer more convenience than traditional ground camping.

“A rooftop-tent SUV sits in a really interesting place between a rental car and a campervan,” said Jákup Breckmann, co-owner of Just Drive Car Rental. “You still get the experience of camping outdoors, but your sleeping space is elevated, quick to set up and separate from the luggage and equipment stored inside the vehicle.”

Rooftop-tent SUV or campervan?

Campervans remain a strong choice for travelers who prioritize enclosed living space and the ability to move between the driver’s seat and sleeping area without going outside.

A rooftop-tent SUV offers a different kind of Iceland experience.

The Dacia Duster is more compact than many campervans, making it easier to park and maneuver through towns. Travelers can keep clothing, food and equipment organized inside the SUV instead of repeatedly rearranging the vehicle to create a sleeping area.

At the end of the day, the tent opens above the vehicle to provide a full-size sleeping space for two people. Just Drive Car Rental says most guests can open the tent in under three minutes once they have completed the demonstration provided at pickup.

The distinction is less about which rental type is universally better and more about what kind of road trip the traveler wants.

Rooftop-tent rentals may appeal particularly to couples who:

Enjoy outdoor camping and changing weather conditions.

Want a conventional vehicle during the day.

Prefer to keep luggage separate from their sleeping area.

Do not need the indoor living space of a campervan.

Want a more immersive connection to Iceland’s landscapes.

A rooftop-tent trip is not intended to duplicate a hotel room or luxury motorhome.

Campers will still experience cool temperatures and the realities of outdoor living. They will climb a ladder to reach the sleeping area, use campground facilities and occasionally adjust their plans because of Icelandic weather.

For travelers who enjoy nature even when conditions are imperfect, those qualities can make the trip more memorable rather than less comfortable.

A campsite that travels with the car

The rooftop tent is mounted directly on the SUV, eliminating the need to find level ground for a separate tent or unpack poles and stakes every evening.

Being elevated can also help campers avoid cold, damp or uneven ground. However, travelers still need to prepare for Iceland’s highly variable weather and choose sheltered parking positions whenever possible.

One practical tip is to consider the direction of the wind. Face the tent into the wind for maximum wind resistance. Positioning the vehicle thoughtfully can reduce fabric movement and flapping during the night. The tents are also more spacious than they may appear from outside.

Travelers can add camping equipment such as sleeping bags, camping chairs and kitchen sets to their reservation. The vehicle, rooftop tent and selected equipment can be collected on arrival near Keflavík International Airport. Just Drive also advertises unlimited mileage and complimentary cancellation up to three days before pickup.

More driving flexibility with important restrictions

A 4×4 Dacia Duster may provide greater access than a two-wheel-drive rental or some larger campervans, particularly where specific Highland roads require four-wheel-drive vehicles.

However, a rooftop tent does not make every Icelandic road accessible.

Drivers must follow the restrictions in their rental agreement, use only open and legally permitted roads, and check current road and weather conditions before entering remote areas. Road access can change quickly, and mountain roads are generally seasonal.

Off-road driving is not permitted. Travelers must remain on marked roads and established tracks.

Just Drive states that its rooftop-tent vehicles are approved for Icelandic F-roads except F249, subject to seasonal openings, road conditions and rental restrictions.

Camping freedom does not mean camping anywhere

Rooftop-tent travelers must also follow Iceland’s camping rules.

Overnight stays in campervans, motorhomes, rooftop-tents and similar accommodations are generally limited to organized campsites unless the traveler has permission from the landowner. Iceland’s Environment Agency advises visitors to verify where camping is permitted and to observe any additional restrictions within protected areas.

That still leaves travelers with considerable flexibility. Rather than committing to hotels in advance, they can choose among campsites along their route as weather, road conditions and interests change.

About Just Drive Car Rental

Just Drive Car Rental provides vehicle rentals in Iceland and the Faroe Islands. Faroe Islands and Iceland locations offer standard vehicle rentals. Its Iceland location additionally offers rooftop-tent SUV packages and optional camping equipment for Iceland road trips. Just Drive’s Iceland location is near Keflavík International Airport at Flugvallarbraut 734B, 262 Ásbrú.

Travelers can explore the rooftop-tent package, compare prices and reserve online through the Just Drive Car Rental website.

Media contact:

Tór av Skarði

Just Drive Car Rental

Flugvallarbraut 734B

262 Ásbrú, Iceland

+354 775 0002

[email protected]