Camping at Plitvice Lakes: Complete Guide to Campsites, Rules & Tips (2026)
Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of those places that deserves more than a few rushed hours between bus stops. Sixteen interconnected lakes, over ninety waterfalls, and nearly 300 square kilometers of old-growth forest — this is a landscape that reveals itself slowly, and the best way to experience it is by waking up surrounded by it. Camping at Plitvice Lakes puts you minutes from the park entrances at a fraction of hotel prices, with the kind of mornings you simply can't get from a hotel room: birdsong echoing off limestone cliffs, mist curling over the Korana River, and the knowledge that you'll be among the first visitors through the gates.
The park itself sits on a high karst plateau in central Croatia, roughly halfway between Zagreb and Zadar. The surrounding landscape is mountain forest and meadow — cool nights, clean air, and almost zero light pollution. For campers, this means comfortable summer sleeping temperatures, spectacular stargazing, and easy access to hiking trails that extend well beyond the famous boardwalks. Whether you're pitching a tent, parking a campervan, or booking a mobile home, camping near Plitvice is the smartest way to experience Croatia's most extraordinary national park.
But there's one thing you need to know before you start planning: wild camping is strictly prohibited inside and around Plitvice Lakes National Park. You'll need to use one of the established campsites in the area. The good news? Several excellent options exist within a short drive of the park entrances, and this guide covers every one of them in detail.
Official Camping Options Near Plitvice Lakes
Three primary campsites serve visitors to Plitvice Lakes National Park. Two are operated by the national park authority itself (Camp Korana and Camp Borje), while several privately-run options offer different experiences. Here's what you need to know about each one.
Camp Korana — The Closest and Largest
Distance from park: 6 km from Entrance 1 Address: Čatrnja 167, HR-47245 Rakovica Season: April – October Capacity: 1,748 guests across 35 hectares GPS: 44° 57' 1" N, 15° 38' 29" E
Camp Korana is the flagship campsite for Plitvice Lakes and the most popular choice for good reason. Operated directly by the national park authority, it sprawls across 35 hectares along the canyon of the Korana River — the same river that flows out from the lowest of Plitvice's sixteen lakes. The setting alone is worth the stay: tall trees provide natural shade over spacious pitches, and the river canyon creates a microclimate that stays pleasantly cool even in July.
Facilities:
- 130 pitches (12 with full hookups: electricity, water, waste)
- 47 furnished bungalows (two beds, bedding, table, chairs, wardrobe)
- Three modern sanitary blocks with showers and washing machines
- Korana Restaurant (400-seat capacity) with à la carte and self-service sections
- Mini-market and shop
- Grill area
- WiFi across all pitches
- ATM and camper service station
- Pet-friendly (dogs allowed, terrace dining only at restaurant)
Pricing (2025/2026 season): Pitch prices vary by season and party size. Expect approximately €25–40 per night for two adults with a tent or campervan, including electricity. Bungalows are priced separately and book out quickly in summer. For exact current rates, book through the official national park website.
The Big Perk: Camp Korana guests receive an extended Plitvice Lakes entrance ticket valid for every day of their stay at no extra charge (minimum 2-night stay required). Given that park tickets cost up to €40 per adult in peak summer, this alone can save a couple over €100 on a multi-day stay.
Pros:
- Closest major campsite to Entrance 1
- Extended park ticket included (huge value)
- Large, well-maintained facilities
- Restaurant with excellent local cuisine (Lika Quality label)
- Beautiful riverside setting with natural shade
- Access to Jezero Hotel SPA for €35
Cons:
- Can feel crowded in peak July/August
- Full hookup pitches limited to 12 (book early)
- 6 km still requires driving or cycling to the park entrance
- Bungalows are basic (no kitchen or private bathroom)
Booking: Reserve through the official national park website at np-plitvicka-jezera.hr or email autokamp.korana@np-plitvicka-jezera.hr. Phone: +385 (0)53 751 888.
Camp Borje — Quiet and Family-Friendly
Distance from park: 16 km from Entrance 2 Season: April – October Capacity: 408 guests across 6.5 hectares
Camp Borje is the national park's second official campsite, and it offers a completely different experience from Korana. Tucked between the Lička Plješivica mountain and Mrsinj hill near the town of Korenica, Borje is smaller, quieter, and feels more like a countryside retreat than a busy campground. If you're camping with children or simply prefer peace over proximity, Borje is the better choice.
Facilities:
- Spacious pitches with electricity connections
- Modern sanitary facilities (including disability-accessible options)
- Washing machines and laundry services
- Restaurant Borje (à la carte and self-service)
- Café bar
- Children's playground
- Sports: table tennis, grass volleyball, five-a-side football, hanging bowling alley
- Pine forest providing natural shade throughout
Pricing (2025/2026 season): Pitch prices are comparable to Camp Korana — approximately €20–35 per night for two adults with a tent or campervan. Expect slightly lower rates than Korana due to the greater distance from the park.
Guest Benefits:
- Extended park entrance ticket for entire stay (minimum 2 nights, no extra cost)
- 10% discount at Restaurant Borje's à la carte menu
- Jezero Hotel SPA access for €35 (whirlpool, sauna, steam bath)
- Free organized shuttle bus to and from the national park
Pros:
- Very peaceful — never feels overcrowded
- Free shuttle to the park solves the distance issue
- Excellent sports facilities for families with kids
- Disability-accessible sanitary facilities
- Extended park ticket included
- Lower prices than Korana
Cons:
- 16 km from Entrance 2 — you'll need the shuttle or a car
- Smaller campsite means fewer facilities overall
- Fewer dining options nearby compared to the Korana/Grabovac area
- Limited capacity means it can book out in peak season
Booking: Reserve through np-plitvicka-jezera.hr or contact the park reservation office directly.
Camping Plitvice — Modern Private Option
Distance from park: 3 km from Entrance 1 Location: Smoljanac, Lika-Senj County Season: May – September
Camping Plitvice is a privately-operated campsite that has undergone significant recent renovation, positioning itself as a higher-end camping option near the park. Located in Smoljanac, just 3 km from Entrance 1, it's one of the closest options to the park and offers amenities the national park campgrounds don't — including swimming pools.
Facilities:
- Fully equipped camping pitches (limited number — approximately 8 tent pitches plus motorhome spaces)
- Mobile homes (2–6 person units, fully furnished with kitchens and bathrooms)
- Outdoor swimming pools for adults and children
- On-site restaurant serving local Lika cuisine
- Modern sanitary facilities
- Shuttle service to the park (approximately €20/person for 2-day pass)
Pricing (2025/2026 season): Camping Plitvice positions itself at the premium end. Tent pitches start around €25–35 per night. Mobile homes range from €65–120 per night depending on size and season. Booking directly at the campsite can sometimes yield lower rates than online platforms.
Pros:
- Very close to Entrance 1 (3 km)
- Swimming pools — rare for Plitvice-area campsites
- Recently renovated, modern facilities
- Mobile homes offer hotel-like comfort at campsite prices
- Restaurant quality is highly rated
Cons:
- No extended park ticket benefit (unlike the national park camps)
- Small number of tent pitches (book very early)
- Premium pricing compared to Korana and Borje
- Shuttle to park costs extra
- Mixed reviews on service consistency
Booking: Visit campingplitvice.hr or book through platforms like Pitchup.com and Booking.com.
Other Campsites Worth Considering
Big Bear Plitvice Nature Resort — Just 700 meters from the park boundary in Donji Babin Potok, this family-owned resort offers 100 accommodation units including luxury mobile homes, glamping tents, and spacious camping pitches (90–110 m²). It has a restaurant, lounge bar, playground, and conference facilities. Premium pricing but exceptional proximity. Book at plitvice-resort.com.
Camping Turist Grabovac — One of the oldest campsites in the area (established 1968), located 8 km from the park in the Grabovac area. Offers swimming pool, sports facilities, and a more traditional camping atmosphere. Good budget option with approximately 200-person capacity.
Camp Slapić — Located 55 km away on the Mrežnica River, this is an award-winning campsite better suited as a road-trip stop rather than a Plitvice base. Beautiful river swimming but too far for daily park visits.
Camping Rules and Regulations
No Wild Camping — Period
This is the most important rule for anyone planning to camp at Plitvice Lakes: wild camping, bivouacking, and sleeping in vehicles outside designated campsites is strictly prohibited within and around Plitvice Lakes National Park. Croatia enforces this rule, and fines can be substantial. Rangers patrol the park area, and the prohibition exists for good reason — the park's fragile karst ecosystem, where travertine barriers are literally built by living organisms, cannot withstand unmanaged human impact.
Don't plan to "stealth camp" in a pullover or forest clearing. It's not worth the risk, and the established campsites are affordable enough to make it unnecessary.
Where You CAN Camp
You can only camp at the established, registered campsites described above. The two national park-operated sites (Camp Korana and Camp Borje) and the privately-operated options in the surrounding villages of Smoljanac, Grabovac, Rakovica, and Donji Babin Potok are your legal options. All are within a reasonable distance of the park entrances.
Park Rules for Campers
When visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park as a camper, the same rules apply as for all visitors:
- Stay on marked trails and boardwalks. Stepping off the designated paths damages the fragile travertine formations and the moss colonies that build them.
- No swimming, wading, or touching the water in any of the lakes or waterfalls. The water chemistry is critical to the travertine-building process.
- No drones without explicit written permission from the park authority.
- No fires or cooking inside the park boundaries. Cook at your campsite only.
- No picking plants, disturbing wildlife, or removing natural objects (rocks, fossils, etc.).
- Dogs must be on a leash at all times within the park. Not all trails are dog-accessible.
- Dispose of all waste properly. The park has bins at key locations, but carry a bag for trash between bins.
- Noise restrictions apply at campsites, typically enforced from 22:00 to 07:00. Respect your fellow campers.
Environmental Guidelines for Responsible Camping
Plitvice Lakes earned UNESCO World Heritage status because of its extraordinary ecological processes. As a camper staying in the area, you can help protect it:
- Use the campsite's waste disposal and recycling facilities — don't leave trash at your pitch
- Minimize water usage at shared facilities (showers, washing stations)
- Use biodegradable soap and toiletries when showering at campsite facilities — drainage eventually reaches the same watershed
- Don't wash dishes, clothes, or equipment in natural streams or rivers near campsites
- If you're driving, park only in designated areas and don't drive on grass or unpaved surfaces outside marked parking zones
- Report any wildlife encounters (bears do inhabit the wider Plitvice region) to campsite staff rather than approaching animals
What to Bring: Camping Gear for Plitvice
Essential Gear
Plitvice sits at approximately 500–600 meters elevation on a karst plateau, which means temperatures can drop significantly at night even in summer. Pack accordingly:
- Tent with good rain protection — Even in July, afternoon thunderstorms are common. A waterproof flysheet and sealed seams are essential, not optional.
- Sleeping bag rated to 5°C — Summer nights drop to 10–15°C, and spring/autumn nights can reach 0–5°C. Bring a warmer bag than you think you need.
- Sleeping pad with insulation — The ground is rocky limestone beneath the topsoil. A quality pad makes the difference between sleeping well and not sleeping at all.
- Headlamp or torch — Campsite lighting is minimal away from sanitary blocks.
- Reusable water bottle — Tap water at all campsites is safe to drink.
- Sturdy hiking shoes — The park boardwalks can be slippery, and trails beyond the lakes require proper footwear with ankle support.
- Daypack — For carrying water, snacks, camera gear, and rain layers into the park.
Weather Considerations by Season
Spring (April–May): Cold mornings (2–10°C), mild afternoons (15–22°C). Pack thermal layers, a warm fleece, and waterproof jacket. Rain is frequent. Campsites may be muddy early in the season.
Summer (June–August): Warm days (25–35°C), comfortable nights (12–18°C). Afternoon thunderstorms are common — have rain gear accessible. Mosquito repellent is essential near the river areas, particularly at Camp Korana.
Early Autumn (September–October): Similar to spring. Temperatures fall rapidly through October. Bring cold-weather sleeping gear and layers. October evenings can drop below 5°C.
Food and Water Tips
- All campsites have on-site restaurants, but cooking at your pitch saves significant money. Camp Korana and Borje both have mini-markets for basics.
- Bring a portable stove and fuel — campfires are generally not permitted at pitches.
- The nearest full supermarket is in Rakovica (near Camp Korana) or Korenica (near Camp Borje). Stock up before arriving.
- Tap water at all registered campsites is safe to drink. Fill your bottles at the campsite to avoid buying plastic in the park.
- Inside the park, food options are limited to a few snack bars and restaurants at Entrance 1, Entrance 2, and near the lake boat landing. Prices are tourist-level. Packing your own lunch is smarter.
Combining Camping with Your Park Visit
Strategy for a 1-Day Visit
If you have just one full day at Plitvice Lakes, here's how to maximize it from your campsite:
- Wake early and enter at 7:00 AM (summer opening). The park's daily visitor cap means arriving early is not just a recommendation — it guarantees entry. Camp Korana guests have the advantage of being closest to Entrance 1.
- Start from Entrance 1 for the most dramatic first impression — you'll descend into the Lower Lakes and see the Great Waterfall (Veliki Slap) immediately.
- Follow Route H (the longest official route, 4–6 hours) to see both the Upper and Lower Lakes with boat and train rides included.
- Pack lunch and water from your campsite. The restaurants inside the park are crowded and overpriced during peak hours.
- Exit by mid-afternoon to beat the return crowds, and spend your evening swimming in the Korana River near Camp Korana or relaxing at your campsite.
Strategy for a 2-Day Visit (Recommended)
Two days is the ideal amount of time, and camping makes this financially viable since Camp Korana and Borje include extended park tickets:
Day 1 — Lower Lakes and Great Waterfall:
- Enter through Entrance 1
- Explore the Lower Lakes canyon at a leisurely pace
- See Veliki Slap (Great Waterfall), Sastavci confluence, and the lower cascade systems
- Take the electric boat across Lake Kozjak
- Exit early afternoon
Day 2 — Upper Lakes and Forest Trails:
- Enter through Entrance 2
- Explore the Upper Lakes (quieter, more intimate, incredibly photogenic)
- Walk the forest trails above the lakes for panoramic viewpoints
- Take the panoramic train between sections to save energy
- Finish with a second boat crossing if you wish
Transportation from Campsites to Entrances:
- Camp Korana → Entrance 1: 6 km drive (10 minutes by car, 25 minutes by bicycle). No public shuttle from Korana.
- Camp Borje → Entrance 2: 16 km. Free organized shuttle bus provided by the campsite — check the schedule at reception upon arrival.
- Camping Plitvice → Entrance 1: 3 km (5-minute drive, 35-minute walk, or use their paid shuttle service).
- Big Bear Resort → Park boundary: 700 meters walk, though you'll still need to reach a formal entrance with ticket booths.
Parking at the park: Both Entrance 1 and Entrance 2 have paid parking. Cars cost approximately €7–10 per day. Arrive before 9:00 AM in summer to guarantee a spot.
Insider Tips for Campers
- Afternoons are golden. Most tour buses arrive between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. As a camper, you have the flexibility to visit in early morning or late afternoon when the light is better and the crowds thin out.
- Don't skip the Upper Lakes. Most day-trippers focus on the Lower Lakes. The Upper Lakes are quieter, more forested, and equally beautiful.
- Bring binoculars. The forests around Plitvice are home to over 150 bird species, and dawn around the campsites is peak birding time.
- Check the weather forecast the night before. Overcast days actually produce the most vivid lake colors (no surface glare). Rain makes the waterfalls more powerful. Don't cancel a park day because of drizzle.
Alternative Budget Accommodations
If the campsites are fully booked — which happens frequently in July and August — you still have affordable options near Plitvice Lakes.
Guesthouses and Private Rooms (Sobe)
The villages surrounding the park — particularly Grabovac, Rakovica, Smoljanac, Jezerce, and Mukinje — are filled with family-run guesthouses offering private rooms (locally called sobe) and apartments. Prices typically range from €30–60 per night for a double room with breakfast, making them only slightly more expensive than camping while offering a bed, private bathroom, and often home-cooked breakfast with local cheese, cured meats, and fresh bread.
Look for signs reading "Sobe" or "Zimmer frei" along the main roads, or book ahead through Booking.com. The best value tends to be in Rakovica and Grabovac, where competition keeps prices reasonable.
Hostels
A handful of hostels and backpacker-oriented accommodations have appeared in the Plitvice area in recent years, with dorm beds starting around €15–25 per night. These are limited in number, so book well ahead for summer dates.
Budget Hotel Options
The national park operates several hotels directly, including Hotel Jezero (directly beside the park) and Hotel Bellevue. While not budget-priced in summer, shoulder-season rates (April, May, October) can drop to €60–80 per night — competitive with the cost of a well-equipped camping pitch plus food. Check the official national park website for packages that bundle accommodation with park tickets.
For our detailed breakdown of all accommodation types near the park, check our Complete Plitvice Lakes Travel Guide which covers accommodation options in depth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you camp inside Plitvice Lakes National Park?
No. Wild camping, bivouacking, and sleeping in vehicles is strictly prohibited inside Plitvice Lakes National Park and in the surrounding protected area. You must use one of the registered campsites near the park. The closest option is Camping Plitvice in Smoljanac (3 km from Entrance 1) or Camp Korana (6 km from Entrance 1).
How much does camping near Plitvice Lakes cost?
Camping pitches near Plitvice cost approximately €15–40 per night depending on the campsite, season, and whether you need electricity. Camp Borje tends to be the most affordable, while Camping Plitvice charges a premium for its proximity and pool facilities. Mobile homes range from €65–120 per night.
Which is the best campsite near Plitvice Lakes?
Camp Korana is the best all-round choice for most campers — it's the closest national park campsite to Entrance 1 (6 km), has the largest facilities, and includes an extended park entrance ticket with your stay. For families seeking quiet, Camp Borje is excellent with its free shuttle service and sports facilities.
Do Plitvice campsites include park entrance tickets?
Yes — both Camp Korana and Camp Borje (the official national park campsites) include an extended park entrance ticket valid for every day of your stay at no additional cost. This requires a minimum 2-night stay. This benefit alone can save over €80 per person in peak season. Private campsites like Camping Plitvice do not include park tickets.
When are Plitvice campsites open?
Most campsites near Plitvice operate from April through October. Camp Korana and Camp Borje open in April and close at the end of October. Camping Plitvice operates from May through September. No campsites are open during winter months (November–March), when you'll need to book a hotel or guesthouse instead.
Is there a shuttle from campsites to Plitvice Lakes?
Camp Borje offers a free organized shuttle bus to and from the national park. Camping Plitvice offers a paid shuttle service (approximately €20 per person for a 2-day pass). Camp Korana does not provide shuttle service — you'll need your own vehicle or bicycle (6 km to Entrance 1).
Can I bring my dog to Plitvice campsites?
Yes, most campsites near Plitvice are pet-friendly. Camp Korana allows dogs (with terrace-only dining at the restaurant). Dogs are also allowed inside Plitvice Lakes National Park but must be kept on a leash at all times, and not all trails are accessible with pets.
Do I need to book Plitvice campsites in advance?
Strongly recommended for July and August. Camp Borje has only 408 spaces and fills quickly. Camp Korana has more capacity (1,748 guests) but popular dates book out weeks ahead. Camping Plitvice has very limited tent pitches (approximately 8). Book directly through official websites for the best rates and availability.
What's the weather like for camping at Plitvice?
Summer days reach 25–35°C but nights cool to 10–18°C at Plitvice's elevation. Afternoon thunderstorms are common June through August. Spring and autumn are cooler (5–20°C days) with more rain. Bring warm sleeping gear regardless of season — the mountain plateau climate means temperatures drop significantly after sunset.
Is Camp Korana or Camp Borje better?
Camp Korana is better if you want proximity to Entrance 1, larger facilities, and a riverside setting. Camp Borje is better if you prefer a quieter atmosphere, have kids who'll enjoy the sports facilities, want a free shuttle to the park, or are coming from the direction of Split/Zadar (Borje is closer to Entrance 2). Both include extended park tickets with a 2-night stay.
