Happy Campers vs Lava Car Rental

Happy Campers operates one of the largest campervan fleets in Iceland, with over 200 vehicles spanning three distinct tiers. Their budget EX vans offer a lower price point with older, higher-mileage vehicles. Their standard campers come with newer models and more included amenities such as Wi-Fi, heating, and bedding. At the top of the range, their 4x4 highland campers are built for F-roads and winter conditions, featuring Webasto heating systems and the ground clearance needed for interior routes. This breadth means travelers can match their vehicle to their exact itinerary and comfort level.

Lava Car Rental takes a fundamentally different approach. Primarily a car rental company, their campervan offering is focused on a single model: the Renault Kangoo, available in 2024-2025 model years with automatic transmission and 2WD. The fleet is narrow by design, prioritizing simplicity over selection. What Lava offers is a modern, late-model vehicle with a comprehensive base insurance package that includes TPL, CDW, SCDW, and gravel protection, removing the need for travelers to navigate add-on coverage decisions.

The two vendors occupy distinct positions in the market. Happy Campers is a dedicated campervan specialist geared toward the full spectrum of Iceland travel, from budget Ring Road trips to technical highland expeditions. Lava Car Rental serves travelers who want a straightforward campervan experience without comparing across multiple vehicle categories, though the 2WD-only fleet limits itineraries to paved and well-maintained gravel roads. Both operate from Keflavik, but Happy Campers also offers Reykjavik pickup, giving travelers a second collection point. On the equipment side, Happy Campers includes sleeping, cooking, and heating gear as trip-ready across their standard fleet, while Lava Car Rental lists sleeping and cooking equipment with caveats, meaning renters should confirm exact inclusions before booking.