Varmahlíð

The campsite at Varmahlíð grew up inside an old forestry-research station, once run by the government to test which trees suited Iceland. The site itself is fairly new, but the forest around it dates to 1947, so the shelter is the real thing — belts of trees split the ground into snug, separate bays. There's plenty for children. An inflatable trampoline swells up at 10 in the morning and deflates at night, and there are football fields and playgrounds close by. A forest path leads about 250 metres to the village swimming pool, which has a slide, a hot tub, a sauna and a separate heated children's pool. Facilities are spread across four buildings, with a kitchen in the old forest ranger's house, showers, laundry and hot and cold water. From the hilltop there's a view over Skagafjörður.

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