Akranes

Akranes gives you a full town at your back. Shops, restaurants, and a wide spread of services sit within reach, and scheduled buses to Reykjavík make day trips simple. The swimming pool is fed by water from the Deildartunguhver hot spring. Nearby Garðalundur runs to barbecues, beach volleyball, disc golf, and football, with the 18-hole Garðavöllur course next door. Langisandur, a Blue Flag shell-sand beach, draws sea swimmers on sunny days. For walkers, Mt. Akrafjall pulls in hikers daily, and the seaside path to the Elín's Seat sculpture comes with birdlife and open views. In winter the Breið lighthouses host events and a northern-lights display when the weather cooperates. The campsite itself opens from May through September.

Camping cards can save you money if you're spending multiple nights in the tent. Do the math.