Dreki Campsite (Askja)

Remote highland basecamp for Askja with summer showers and trails

InsideVatnajökull National Park

Overview

Dreki Campsite sits at the mouth of Drekagil (Dragon’s Gully) beneath the Dyngjufjöll mountains—a stark, lunar landscape that makes an unforgettable base for exploring the Askja caldera. The setting is remote, raw, and dramatic; if you want a true Highlands experience with creature comforts nearby, this is the place.

Facilities and what to expect

The campsite is next to the Dreki mountain huts. Expect a sanitary building with flush toilets and running water, plus warm showers in summer when wardens are on site. Potable water is available. There’s electricity at the facility (not at individual tent spots). A heated common/dining room in the huts is handy for warming up and eating, but cooking isn’t allowed inside and hours can be limited. There’s no Wi‑Fi, and services are minimal—bring everything you need, including all food.

Camping is first‑come, first‑served (no reservations). The ground is rocky and exposed with little natural shelter, so tent campers should be ready for dust, wind, and tricky staking. Pets aren’t allowed.

Season and access

Operations are generally limited to about June 20–September 15, always weather‑dependent. Reaching Dreki requires driving F‑roads in the Highlands: use a proper 4×4 and check conditions. The easiest route from the Ring Road is typically 901 → F905 → F910; F88 is more challenging due to river crossings.

Why base here

From Dreki it’s roughly 9 km by car to the Askja caldera area. From the caldera rim parking, a short hike leads to Víti and views over Öskjuvatn, Iceland’s deepest lake. Trails also start right from Dreki across the Dyngjufjöll massif, and the Drekagil canyon itself is worth a wander. Rangers are stationed here in summer and may lead organized walks.

Safety and terrain notes

The descent into Víti can be very slippery, and slides do occur—heed ranger advice and posted warnings. Snow patches can linger even in mid‑summer, and the weather changes fast at this altitude. There’s no shop or fuel in the area; the nearest full resupply is by Lake Mývatn.

Best time to visit

Come during the short summer opening window. Mid‑afternoon arrivals snag better tent spots and let you clean up before the evening rush for showers and the common room. For hiking and photography at Víti and Öskjuvatn, plan an early start for quieter trails and steadier weather.

Pros

Remote basecamp close to Askja and Víti hikes
Summer showers, potable running water, and flush toilets
Heated common room in adjacent huts

Cons

Rocky, exposed tent pitches with little shelter
Pricey for basic services; showers are pay-to-use

Tips

Only reachable via Highland F‑roads—use a high‑clearance 4×4 and check road conditions.
From the Ring Road, the simplest approach is 901 → F905 → F910; avoid F88 if river crossings are high.
Arrive mid‑afternoon to claim a flatter pitch and hit showers before the rush.
Bring all food and fuel; there’s no store on site and the nearest supermarket is by Lake Mývatn.
Expect dust and wind—use sturdy stakes and a groundsheet on the rocky substrate.