Hi! I will be in Iceland for 2 weeks in September. I would like to tour the ring road without an itinerary. Does anyone know if it's necessary to reserve rooms in hostels or guesthouses at that time of year?
Kay

You should be fine. The high season ends in earliest September. Make sure you check into the Edda hotels (http://www.hoteledda.is/EN/) and Icelandic Farmstays (http://www.farmholidays.is/)

I completely disagree!
Don't go without reservations even in September. The accommodations are limited and you for sure wouldn't want to find yourself in the middle of nowhere without a place to stay or eat (they are usually connected). Farmstays are comfortable and nice. They also serve dinner (for additional cost) and Breakfast (included).You can book them through local agencies. I had good experience with Nonni Travel. Their main office is in Akureyri but they cover the whole country. their site is: http://www.nonnitravel.is/contact.html
2 weeks is enough to do more than just the ring road. You could also go to the Isafjordur Peninsula in the North-West. Unfortunately, September is almost the end of the Puffin season. Ask for information. You could fly or take a boat to Vestmannaeyjar Island.
I also recommend that you take at least one day superjeep tour either to Landmannalauger (from the south) or to Askja (from the north). They are exremely expensive but worth every penny.If you can afford it - do it! And if you are loaded book the 2 trips... Don't even think of driving there with a regular passenger car. Look in Nonni's site for detalis about those trips.
Have a great trip! Iceland is absolutely fabulous!

Thank you both for your responses. I definitely have a fear of falling in love with one area, wanting to spend another day or two hiking there, but having to move on because of a previously booked reservation. I think that fear is greater than the fear of spending the night trying to sleep in a tiny little rental car!

I'm driving North first. I hope to have enough money left to catch a Landmannalauger tour by the time I reach the South! I'd love to see more of the interior, unfortunately can't justify the expense of renting a 4wd.

Thanks again for your help...I appreciate all suggestions!

We ran into a couple finding places to stay in August with no problem, but they didn't seem to care where they stayed. I imagine September wouldn't be a hassle if you don't mind staying in hotels occasionally.