Your Guide to Camping in Croatia: Our Top Tips

With lush emerald forests, dramatic coves, glistening lakes, rugged peaks and cascading falls, it’s no wonder Croatia is one of Europe’s best camping destinations. Not only does camping in Croatia save you money, but it means you can really immerse yourself in the country's natural beauty with incredible scenery and exciting adventures just a tent zip away! 

Whether you want to stick to the coastline or venture inland, there's a campsite in Croatia to suit everyone. Camping holidays here can also be as laid-back or as action-packed as you want them to be - wake up to the birds tweeting, have BBQs around the campfire and sip sunset drinks overlooking the ocean, or whizz down waterslides, trek through rainforests and enjoy lively on-site entertainment.

To help you plan your trip to perfection, we've put together a guide to camping in Croatia including our top tips, the best places to camp in Croatia and how to get there:

Top tips for camping in Croatia

Pick the right campsite

It may sound simple, but the right campsite can make all the difference to your experience. Here are some of the things you need to consider when choosing a campsite in Croatia:

• Location: do you want to be near the beach or by the mountains?
• Attractions: do you want activities on your doorstep or are you happy doing your own thing?
• Facilities: are you happy with basic facilities or would you prefer the 5-star treatment?
• Size: do you want a big campsite or a smaller more intimate experience?
• Pets: are you bringing a pet? If so, does the campsite have pet-friendly facilities?

We’d also recommend reading reviews before you book to get a feel for the place and see if it’s the right campsite for you.

Plan your route

Planning your route in advance is key for the most stress-free journey - from leaving the house in the UK right up until your arrival at your campsite in Croatia. After all, you don't want to get lost in a place you're not familiar with. Do your research online and find the best route to suit you. If you need some help, we've put together some potential routes below. With new rules in place, make sure you allow for extra time when leaving the UK for border control. You can find out more information on that here. 

Travel smart

We'd recommend booking your ferry across the Channel in advance. Not only do ferries get booked up but prices are also usually cheaper if you book in advance too. Once you’re in Croatia, you might fancy sailing between the islands. It’s also best to book these ferries in advance, especially in high season as they can get extremely busy. You can find out more about island hopping in Croatia here. In terms of driving in Europe, it’s best to check the local speed limits to avoid any nasty surprises late on. Also plan for toll roads and have change handy.

Pack wisely

When we pack for our holidays, we often just think about clothes and toiletries, but camping requires a little more thought. To help you out, we've put together our camping packing essentials:

• Tent
• Sleeping bag
• Torch/headlamp
• First-aid kit
• Folding chairs
• Cooking supplies
• Entertainment: books, cards, football, music
• Refillable water bottle
• Cool box
• Pet supplies
• Suitable clothing: waterproofs, swim stuff, warm clothing
• Suitable footwear: walking boots, flip flops for showers and water shoes for rocky beaches
• Insect repellant
• SPF
• Important documents: passports, booking confirmation, driving license, breakdown cover

Respect the local rules

Just like other destinations in Europe, campsites in Croatia have rules you must follow. There will usually be quiet hours where you need to keep the noise down. There may be certain rules regarding pets such as having to keep them on a leash. You might have to use designated areas for certain activities like BBQs or playing. From 1st June to 31st October, it's illegal in Croatia to light outdoor fires or BBQs outside of designated areas. Also make sure you respect the wildlife and dispose of litter correctly. Not following the rules of Croatian campsites can result in a hefty fine so always be respectful.

Best campsites in Croatia

Croatia is home to a wide range of campsites so you'll have no issue finding one that suits you. If you need a little guidance, then here are some of the best campsites in Croatia:
 

Popular camping FAQs

Is wild camping allowed in Croatia?

Unfortunately, wild camping is prohibited in Croatia. You can only camp in an official campsite. If you ignore the rules, you could face a fine.

How much is it to camp in Croatia?

Prices tend to vary depending on the campsite you choose. They also often increase in the high season.

Approximate costs:

• Basic campsite: €15–€30 per night
• Mid-range resort: €40–€80 per night
• Premium campsite: €100–€200+ per night

Do I need to make a reservation or can I just turn up?

We recommend making reservations to secure your spot, especially during the high season. Outside of the high season you may be able to just turn up and find a spot. However, without a reservation, you may not get the exact spot you would like.

Are campsites in Croatia open all year round?

Yes, many campsites in Croatia open all year round. Croatia has a mild temperature in the winter months so camping is still possible. Although make sure you bring suitable clothing. Some campsites in Croatia do however close for the winter, so it’s best to do your research beforehand. Some camping facilities may also be closed out of season.

When is the best time to go camping in Croatia?

Thanks to its Mediterranean climate, you can go camping in Croatia whenever you fancy. We'd recommend going in the shoulder season months of May, June, September and October to enjoy pleasant temperatures without the crowds.

Getting to Croatia: possible routes and road trips

Travelling to Croatia is all part of the fun! We'd recommend allowing at least 3 days for your travel on either side of your trip or ideally more if you want to enjoy more stop-offs and travel at a more relaxing pace.

Here are some potential routes from the UK to Croatia including some possible stop-offs:

Option 1: UK > France > Switzerland > Italy > Croatia

Start your journey by crossing the Channel. Take your pick between the ferry or the Eurotunnel. As your journey ahead is quite long, we’d recommend either picking the fastest UK to France ferry which is the Dover to Calais route, with a journey time of 1 hour 30 minutes, or the Eurotunnel from Folkestone to Calais which takes just 30 minutes. Check out our guide on the Eurotunnel vs the ferry here. Once you’ve reached Calais, it’s time to begin your road trip.

Day 1:

• Arrive in Calais
• Drive from Calais to Reims
• Begin your journey to Lucerne

Day 2:

• Arrive in Lucerne
• Start your journey from Lucerne to Milan

Day 3:

• Travel from Milan to either Ancona or Venice
• Take the ferry to Croatia: Ancona to Split, Venice to Pula or Venice to Porec

Option 2: UK > Netherlands > Germany > Austria > Croatia

The second option takes you from the UK to the Netherlands, rather than France. Although the ferry from Hull to Rotterdam, Harwich to Hook of Holland or Newcastle to Amsterdam is longer, you can take an overnight ferry which would save you some time. This route also only requires one ferry rather than two so you'd spend more time on the road.

Day 1: 

• Hull to Rotterdam or Harwich to Hook of Holland or Newcastle to Amsterdam (overnight ferry so arrive in the morning)
• Drive from Rotterdam/Hook of Holland/Amsterdam to Heidelburg

Day 2:

• Heidelburg to Salzburg
• Could also stop in Lake Bled

Day 3:

• Salzburg to Rovinj
• Continue your journey to the campsite

Wherever you fancy pitching up amidst the rolling hills and olive groves of Istria or the turquoise waters and pine forests of Dalmatia, camping in Croatia promises an unforgettable experience.