Camping at the Plitvice Lakes

Camping at the Plitvice Lakes in the mountains of Croatia is something for true nature and outdoor fans.

Camping at the Plitvice Lakes

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Plitvice Lakes is one of the most beautiful nature reserves in Croatia. Situated high in the mountains on the border with Bosnia, the region entices visitors to enjoy a relaxing camping holiday with water sports on the nearby rivers and hikes. The campsites at the Plitvice Lakes are also ideal for a varied holiday with children.

The 3 most beautiful campsites at the Plitvice Lakes

Most of the campsites at the Plitvice Lakes are surrounded by nature and offer holidaymakers short distances to the picturesque shores.

• Camp Borje: A little south of the Plitvice Lakes, camping is possible at the Borje campsite. A picturesque mixed forest serves as a backdrop. A special service is the free shuttle to the lakes.
• Camp Korana: If you want to spend the night in a motorhome close to nature by the Plitvice Lakes, the Korana motorhome camp is the right place for you. Located to the north of the lakes, visitors can enjoy their time here in the middle of the vast meadow landscape.
• Big Bear Plitvice Camping Resort: On the edge of the national park, the campsite offers modern facilities, lots of extras for children and a pleasantly quiet environment on a meadow site.

Arrival

If you are travelling from southern Germany, you should plan a journey of around 600 to 700 km by motorhome or caravan, depending on where you are travelling from. From northern Germany, for example from Hamburg, it is around 1,400 km to Plitvice Lakes National Park. A first stopover is recommended in Austria, for example in the Mozart city of Salzburg with its magnificent buildings and museums.

The route continues southwards, crossing the border into Slovenia not far from Villach. A toll is payable for the almost 200 kilometres through Austria. Vignettes are available at the first petrol station after the border. The first town worth seeing on the Slovenian side is Bled, which invites you to take a short hike with its Alpine peaks.

Once in Croatia, holidaymakers first head for Josipdol. This is the turn-off to the national park, which is around 60 kilometres away. If you set off from Berlin or Dresden, for example, you will reach Austria via the Czech Republic and cover a total distance of around 900 to 1,100 kilometres. On this route, you will pass towns worth seeing such as Prague and Brno.

Gastronomy

Croatian cuisine is strongly characterised by influences from Asia Minor. On their way to Europe, the Turks brought spicy meat rolls with them, which are called Ćevapčići in the Balkans and taste best with the paprika paste ajvar.

At Plitvice Lakes in particular, visitors can hardly avoid freshwater fish. These are prepared on the grill together with regional herbs. A glass of wine from Slavonia is an excellent accompaniment.

Hearty beef and chicken soups and creamy stews with meat, potatoes, peppers and bacon are also typical of the mountainous hinterland. There are also several traditional cheese dairies in the vicinity of Plitvice Lakes.

Destinations at the Plitvice Lakes

There are numerous opportunities for camping and recreation around the Plitvice Lakes. Places such as Plitvička Jezera and Plitvica Selo impress with their proximity to the water and a landscape rich in forests and meadows.

Close to the lakes: Plitvička Jezera

The main place for a recreational holiday with camping at the Plitvice Lakes is the municipality of the same name. Plitvička Jezera is located directly on the shores of the lakes. A view from the motorhome reveals fantastic views of the turquoise-coloured water. There are traditional restaurants and numerous access points to hiking trails in the municipality. These lead to secluded springs in the mountains and tranquil waterfalls. There are also up to 29,000 hectares of forest here.

Cosy settlement of Plitvica Selo

Campers will find the small settlement of Plitvica Selo on the Korana River to the north of the Plitvice Lakes. The lakes are not far from here either and holidaymakers can also enjoy the idyllic natural surroundings. Plitvica Selo boasts an extensive infrastructure for holidaymakers - from restaurants to water sports on the surrounding rivers. It is a little further to the valleys and viewpoints such as Tupi Madvjedak, routes that can be covered in around 2 to 3 hours.

Best time to visit

The best time for camping at Plitvice Lakes is clearly between May and October. Many holidaymakers are drawn to the region, especially in midsummer. Temperatures then reach up to 28 degrees Celsius. With around 10 hours of sunshine a day, the conditions are ideal for fully appreciating the beauty of nature.

In spring, daytime temperatures reach a maximum of 20 degrees Celsius. Similar temperatures prevail in September and October. In winter, it can cool down to -3 degrees Celsius. The neighbouring ski area is also a popular destination. The national park is open all year round.

Top 5 sights

• Veliki Slap: At 80 metres, the highest waterfall in Plitvice Lakes National Park is located near Plitvica Selo.
• Korana: The Korana forms the outflow of the Plitvice Lakes. At this point, the water flows into a rugged gorge.
• Kozjak: Kozjak is the largest lake in the national park and also impresses with its small island in the centre.
• Kapela Mountains: The mountain range borders the Plitvice Lakes to the north and is a great excursion area for hikers. Many climb the 1,533 metre high Bjelolasica mountain, for example.
• Šupljara Cave: The cave was once the location for the Winnetou film "The Treasure in Silver Lake".

Top 2 insider tips

• Galovački Buk: With a height of around 25 metres, Galovački Buk is a comparatively small waterfall in Plitvice Lakes National Park. It is located above Kozjak and is an excellent destination for an excursion in between.
• Gacka: The river is a real highlight for all fly fishermen. There are lots of trout and pike in the water, which, with a bit of luck, can be landed for dinner at the campsite on the Plitvice Lakes. The water is also fantastic terrain for hikers and mountain bikers. Unmistakable photo opportunities are guaranteed in this region.

Activities and excursions

Many local activities are naturally linked to hiking and water: Rafting, kayaking tours and swimming fun are all possible on the edge of the national park. Spectacular views await from the mountain peaks.

Rafting on the wild rivers of Croatia

Rafting is a popular leisure activity on the edge of the Plitvice Lakes National Park. The mountains are home to numerous water sources that feed rivers such as the Korana and Mrežnica. These are the best conditions for exciting white water rafting.

Hiking through the lush nature

The classic for hiking fans is the route around the Plitvice Lakes. The park administration has developed various routes that can be completed with the whole family in 2 to 8 hours. In addition, the Korana Gorge at the Lower Lakes awaits adventure fans. Excursionists can relax on a tour on the panoramic train.

Cross the Kozjak by electric boat

At Lake Kozjak, it is possible to take a trip on environmentally friendly electric boats. These means of transport offer passengers a completely new view of the turquoise-coloured water.

Events

Religious processions and folk festivals make Plitvice Lakes National Park and its surroundings an interesting destination for culture fans.

February

• Gospić Carnival: Around 45 km from Plitvice Lakes, the historic town organises a rousing carnival. Colourful parades, music and traditional food from the region are a must.

March/April

• Easter: Easter plays an important role in Croatia. The church holiday is also celebrated in the communities around the Plitvice Lakes with processions and festive parades.
• Utrka Svetog Jurja: Esotericism, sport and closeness to nature come together at the Utrka Svetog Jurja event. The event is held in the settlement of Mikinje on the edge of the national park.

July

• Eco-Ethno Gacka: At the end of July, a large festival with traditional folk music and a focus on closeness to nature takes place on the banks of the Gacka River in the nearby village of the same name. People sing, dance, cook and celebrate in the open air.

September

• Croatian Walking Festival: The walking event is held in several locations in Lika-Senj County, which also includes Plitvice Lakes. Among other things, people hike together from Otočac.