Þakgil

The talking point here is the dining room — it's inside a natural cave, kitted out with tables, benches, a wood-burning stove and a barbecue. Few campsites can offer dinner under solid rock. The name translates roughly as 'the canyon with a roof', and the setting lives up to it: sheltered ground ringed by tall cliffs and green slopes, wedged between the Mýrdalsjökull glacier and the Mýrdalssandur plain. Walking trails suit both first-timers and seasoned hikers. You reach it by turning off the Ring Road at Höfðabrekka, about 5 km east of Vík; the road in is fine for smaller cars. On the way, look for the cave Stórihelli, once used for gatherings and dances. The site takes tents and groups alike and has toilets, showers and a playground. Open June to September.

Book ahead in summer, especially near popular spots. Campsites fill up by late afternoon.