Vesturdalur Campsite

Overview

If you want to sleep in the heart of Jökulsárgljúfur’s geology, this is the spot. Vesturdalur is a simple, tent‑only campground that puts you right beside Hljóðaklettar’s “whispering” basalt formations and the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river. It’s one of the few official places you can camp along the classic Ásbyrgi–Dettifoss route, so backpackers treat it as the natural overnight.

Facilities & Season

Expect back‑to‑basics. You’ll find cold drinking water and toilets. There’s no electricity and no hot water, and mobile signal is weak. It typically operates from early June to mid‑September, with fees paid to rangers on site. Camping in this area is only allowed at designated park campsites.

Why Stay Here

Location is the whole point: you’re a short walk from Hljóðaklettar’s bizarre columnar basalt and nearby features like Rauðhólar. For hikers, it’s an ideal staging area to explore the local loop trails or to split the Ásbyrgi–Dettifoss traverse into two comfortable days.

Hiking Context

• Ásbyrgi → Vesturdalur: two options, roughly 12–13.6 km from the Ásbyrgi Visitor Centre. There are no streams between Ásbyrgi and Vesturdalur, so carry all the water you need for the day.
• Vesturdalur → Hólmatungur: about 8 km, including a shallow, cold wade across the Stallá spring river.
• Local favorites: loops to Hljóðaklettar and Rauðhólar, plus trails to the Karl og Kerling viewpoint and the deserted farm site at Svínadalur.

Getting There & Conditions

Road 862 is the main access for Dettifoss, Hólmatungur, and Vesturdalur/Hljóðaklettar, but conditions and openings change with the season. Start at a park visitor centre for the latest on roads, weather, and services, and stick to marked roads and designated routes.

Best Time to Visit

Aim for late June through early September for the most reliable access. Early June can be delayed by lingering snow, and parts of the area close in winter. If you’re hiking the canyon, planning your overnight here keeps daily mileage reasonable and lets you explore the rock formations in quieter evening hours.