With a Campervan in Croatia: Great Stopover Destinations
Updated: 6 days ago
If you're heading to Bosnia, Montenegro, or Albania with a campervan, a few stopovers in Croatia are essential. Here are two travel stops you won’t regret during your journey!
Table of Contents
1. Information about Croatia
Croatia is a country in Southeast Europe, bordering Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. The capital of Croatia is Zagreb. The official language is Croatian, but English and German are generally well understood in tourist areas.
Entry
Since 2023, Croatia is a member of the Schengen Agreement, so border and passport controls are no longer required upon entry. However, you should still carry your ID card or passport.
Geography
Croatia boasts diverse landscapes, ranging from the Adriatic coast in the west to the Dinaric Alps in the east and the fertile plains in the north. It has numerous islands along the coast, some of which are major tourist attractions.
Currency
Since July 1, 2013, Croatia has been a member of the European Union, and as of 2023, part of the Eurozone. You can pay with Euros everywhere, so there's no need to exchange money, making your vacation in Croatia quite relaxed.
Sights in Croatia
Croatia is a popular travel destination for tourists from around the world. Picturesque coastal cities like Dubrovnik, Split, and Zadar attract visitors annually, as do the many islands, including Hvar and Korčula. Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its stunning waterfalls and lakes.
Safety in Croatia
The crime rate in Croatia is generally very low, but a little caution never hurts.
A significant safety concern is landmines, remnants of the Balkan War. Despite demining efforts, some mines might still be hidden.
Particularly affected areas include Eastern and Western Slavonia and the western and southwestern border regions with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Mined areas are marked with triangular signs with warning labels ("Ne prilazite") - avoid these areas and stay on designated roads and paths.
Road Conditions in Croatia
Road conditions in tourist areas are generally very good, but potholes can occur. In rural areas, some roads may not be optimally developed, so exercise extra caution.
2. Plitvice Lakes National Park
Located in Lika-Senj, this UNESCO World Heritage Site spans 300 square kilometers, featuring 16 terraced lakes, waterfalls, and dense forests. It’s a popular tourist spot known for its clear lakes and diverse flora and fauna. Explore the park via wooden walkways, hiking trails, boat rides, and electric shuttles—all included in the entrance fee.
The Plitvice Lakes are a hugely popular tourist destination, attracting visitors worldwide. Established as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, the national park is famous for its stunningly clear lakes and rich biodiversity.
Visitors are captivated by the 16 cascading lakes connected by waterfalls, surrounded by dense forests that host a variety of plant and animal species. Whether exploring the wooden boardwalks, taking a boat ride, or hiking the scenic trails, Plitvice offers a breathtaking experience of Croatia’s natural beauty.
In the national park, you can explore scenic paths on well-maintained wooden walkways and trails. These routes allow you to fully immerse yourself in the stunning surroundings. Additionally, the park offers boat rides and electric shuttles to help you reach different areas conveniently. Both the shuttle and boat rides are included in the entrance fee, making it easy to navigate the park while enjoying its beauty.
There is also a dining option in the national park where you can grab a bite, like sausages and fries, but don't expect a gourmet experience. 😊 It's more about convenience than high-end cuisine!
Entrance and Parking at Plitvice Lakes National Park
Directly at the National Park, you’ll find a large parking lot. You can park both cars and camper vans here. The parking fee for a camper van day ticket is €13.
Unfortunately, the region also charges high entrance fees - the price is steep, especially during the high season in summer. If you enter the park after 4:00 PM, there is a discounted admission fee.
Campsites at Plitvice Lakes National Park
There are several campsites near Plitvice Lakes National Park. Since the park is a major tourist magnet, campsites can get fully booked depending on the season, so it might be wise to book in advance. Not all campsites accept reservations, though.
We stayed at Camp Korana and felt very comfortable. It is close to the National Park, just a short walk from the entrance. The campsite is located in a beautiful setting along the Korana River and is relatively large, so you’ll likely find a nice spot for your camper van. There is also a restaurant and an information center where you can book excursions.
Other Campsites Near Plitvice Lakes National Park
Camp Borje: About 15 minutes by car from the park entrance, offering spots for tents, caravans, and camper vans. Surrounded by nature and forests, it provides a peaceful atmosphere.
Campsite Turist Grabovac: About 10 minutes by car from the park entrance. This campsite offers various accommodation options, including spots for tents, camper vans, and bungalows.
Big Bear Plitvice Nature Resort: A bit further away but offers comfortable accommodations like wooden cabins and spots for camper vans and tents.
3. Drežnik Castle
About 10 km northeast of Plitvice Lakes National Park, you'll find Drežnik Castle. If you’re in the area, it’s definitely worth a detour. Especially at sunset, this place is truly magical!
The exact date of the castle’s construction is unknown, but it was likely built in the 11th or 12th century and was part of the defense system of the Kingdom of Croatia, serving to control nearby trade routes and strategic passes.
4. Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik, often called the "Pearl of the Adriatic," is a fascinating stop in Croatia if you’re heading to Montenegro. This stunning coastal city attracts visitors from around the world and is considered one of the most beautiful cities on the Mediterranean.
Dubrovnik is also known to many Game of Thrones fans, as the Old Town was the filming location for the Blackwater Bay in the series.
The Old Town of Dubrovnik is truly a gem! Its well-preserved medieval buildings, cobblestone streets, and picturesque squares will transport you to a bygone era.
A walk along the famous city walls offers a spectacular view of the azure Adriatic Sea and the red rooftops of the Old Town.
5. Traditional Croatian Cuisine: Dishes You Should Try!
Croatian cuisine varies by region and reflects influences from neighboring countries. Here are some traditional Croatian dishes you should definitely try!
Peka: A traditional dish where meat (usually lamb, beef, or chicken) and vegetables are slow-cooked under a bell-shaped lid in a wood oven, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish.
Ćevapi: Small spiced minced meat sausages, usually beef, grilled over charcoal and often served with onions, ajvar, and flatbread.
Sarma: Cabbage rolls filled with seasoned minced meat and rice. This hearty dish is often served in winter and is a popular festive meal.
Octopus Salad (Salata od hobotnice): A refreshing salad made with cooked octopus, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs.
Brodet: A traditional Croatian fish stew, prepared in various regional styles. It typically includes a variety of fish and seafood, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.
Strukli: A savory pastry filled with curd or cheese, often served with sour cream.
Burek: A savory pastry filled with minced meat, cheese, potatoes, or spinach, eaten as a snack or breakfast.
If you’re looking for recipes to cook in your camper van kitchen, we highly recommend our camping cookbook "Outdoor Genuss"!
6. Costs: What to Expect with a Camper Van in Croatia
Croatia is becoming increasingly popular with tourists, which affects prices, especially in tourist areas.
Here’s an overview of some costs you might encounter:
Camping overnight: €30 - 45
Entrance tickets for Plitvice Lakes National Park: Approximately €40 per person (!) - even more expensive during the peak summer season
Gasoline costs: Around €1.55 per liter (variable, but slightly cheaper than in Germany)
Toll fees: Depending on the route, we spent about €50 for the drive to Bosnia
Lunch for 2 people: Between €30-40
Want more information about our road trip through the Balkans? Check out: 10 Days in the Balkans: Our Route and All Costs
For more insights into our travels, visit our Instagram: tom_rbg_ and anna_mser! Feel free to reach out with any route questions through these channels as well!
