Campervanning in Croatia: Road trip and camping guide

A campervan or motorhome adventure across Croatia promises some of the most spectacular scenery and memorable adventures in all of Europe.

Imagine sliding open your campervan doors to a gentle sea breeze and the sounds of the sea lapping on the edge of a pretty pebble beach on the beautiful, sunny Adriatic Coast.

Croatia offers scenic roads, historic towns, welcoming locals, fresh seafood, tranquil traditional villages, crystal-clear sparkling sea, island-hopping opportunities, and outstanding natural beauty. It's the perfect destination for an exciting, sun-soaked campervan road trip.

In this guide, we'll share practical tips for campervanning in Croatia and the most memorable places to visit. We'll also highlight the best campervan sites in Croatia to help you plan the ultimate Croatian road trip.

Why go campervanning in Croatia?

Croatia is an exciting destination for a campervanning holiday in Europe. If you're driving from the UK, it takes 15-20 hours to get there from Calais (if you take the toll roads), which is about three days of solid driving – but the journey is part of the adventure – right?!

Is Croatia good for campervans?

The answer is yes, it's one of the best places in Europe to take your campervan.

The coastal Adriatic Highway (D8), which runs across 650km of Croatia, offers one of the most scenic drives in all of Europe. With the sea on one side and the mountains on the other, the D8 is made for road tripping.

While tourist traps like Dubrovnik and Split are often very busy during the summer months, travelling by motorhome or campervan allows you to explore less touristy areas and experience a more authentic side of Croatia. Discover Roman amphitheatres, roaring waterfalls, turquoise lakes, Mediterranean beaches, Balkan Mountains, sleepy fishing villages, and lush forests. Croatia also has over 1,000 islands near the coast, some of which are accessible by car ferry – offering the unique chance to go island-hopping with your campervan.

Things to know before you go on a road trip to Croatia

As with any campervan trip, it's important to research your destination and brush up on local rules and regulations to ensure you're prepared and help your trip run smoothly.

Here are some key things to know and factor into your plans before you hit the road.

Driving laws and regulations in Croatia

• In Croatia, they drive on the right
• Speed limits are indicated in kilometres and metres
• Vehicles already on a roundabout have the right of way. So do public transport vehicles and school buses
• Winter tyres are required from 15 November to 15 April
  
  

Essential documentation to take on a trip to Croatia

You will need to pack all the following documentation and keep it somewhere easily accessible in your campervan.

• A valid passport or ID card
• Driving licence
• Motorhome insurance documents
• Personal travel insurance
• Breakdown cover details
• Vehicle V5 logbook
• Proof of vehicle tax and MOT
• Trailer certification (if required)
  
  

Can you go wild camping in Croatia?

It's against the law to go wild camping in Croatia, and you'll be fined if you're caught doing so (about £350).

What you need to have in your campervan whilst in Croatia

• By law, you must ensure that your campervan is equipped with the following before arriving in Croatia:
• A hi-vis jacket for each passenger
• A first aid kit
• A warning triangle
• Headlight beam converters
• A UK sticker on the back of the vehicle or reg plates
  
  

When to visit Croatia for a road trip

As with many countries in Europe, the summer months are peak season and can be very busy, particularly in touristy areas. Spring and autumn offer cooler and more comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. Be aware that many campsites in Croatia close over the winter months.

What money does Croatia use?

Croatia has been using the euro since January 2023.

Do you need a visa to visit Croatia?

Croatia joined the Schengen in 2023. This means UK citizens can visit for up to 90 days without a visa. Border checks with Slovenia and other Schengen countries have now been removed.

How long do you need to road trip across Croatia?

For a leisurely road trip across Croatia, taking in all the highlights, we recommend allowing at least two weeks. The trip to and from Croatia will take three or four days each way with minimal stoppage, so travelling to and from Croatia by campervan will take at least a week. With this in mind, we recommend allowing a minimum of three weeks for the entire trip.

Travel tips for campervanning in Croatia

If you've never driven a campervan in Croatia before, we've compiled a few helpful insider tips to help you navigate the journey with ease.

Route planning – Take the Adriatic Highway (D8) as much as possible when travelling across Croatia. It may be slower than the A1 motorway, but it offers a much more rewarding and memorable drive. Save the A1 for the return leg of your journey.

Ferries and island-hopping – Jadrolinija ferries carry motorhomes to some of Croatia's more popular islands, like Brač, Hvar, and Korcula. Book in advance to enjoy the unique experience of taking your motorhome island-hopping!

Water top-ups – Many service stations in Croatia let you top up your campervan with water for free. However, it's important to note that this water isn't usually suitable for drinking. Most campsites will allow you to refill with drinking water for a small fee.

Automatic toll tags – Croatia's A1 and other motorways are toll roads. You can pay with cash or card at toll booths or invest in an ENC electronic toll tag to help speed the process up. A toll tag also allows you to use dedicated fast-track lanes to help cut time off your journey.

Book in advance – While you might not have any trouble finding a campsite or ferry crossing without a reservation during quieter months, if you're travelling during peak season, it's always wise to book ahead to avoid disappointment and last-minute stress.

What are motorhome campsites like in Croatia?

Just like in the UK, Croatia has a huge number of campsites to choose from. Campervans are well catered for, and facilities at campsites are usually plentiful, clean, and well-kept. There is a lot of choice, allowing you to pick the vibe that's right for you – from sprawling holiday parks offering lively entertainment programmes to small family-run sites set among peaceful olive groves.

What to expect when camping in Croatia

Location: Most campsites featured in this article are located either on the water's edge or within a couple of hundred metres of the sea.

Facilities: electric hook-ups, fresh water, waste disposal, showers, and laundry are standard. Larger sites often include pools, supermarkets, bars, and restaurants.

Administration: It's common for campsites to ask you to hand in your passport at reception during your stay.

Discounts: Many campsites accept the ACSI CampingCard, which offers excellent off-season discounts.

How to find campsites in Croatia

• Camping.hr – The official Croatian Camping Union website.
• Eurocampings by ACSI – Widely used in Europe, includes independent reviews, maps, and discounts.
• Alan Rogers Guide – A long-running UK-based directory focusing on quality, family-friendly campsites in Europe, including Croatia.

Or, take a look at our recommendations in the next section!

Planning the ultimate Croatian campervan road trip

To help you map out your Croatian adventure, we've compiled a guide to the must-see locations and top things to do across beautiful Croatia, starting in the north and winding all the way down south to Dubrovnik.

Along the way, we've highlighted some of the best places to camp in Croatia with a campervan, many of which are conveniently located just off the D8 Adriatic Highway.

Rovinj and the Istrian peninsula

The Istrian peninsula, in Croatia's north-west, has a distinctly different vibe from the Dalmatian coast. The area is less crowded than Dubrovnik or Split, and rich in Venetian influences, which you can see in its fishing harbours, cobbled streets, hilltop villages, and cuisine. The picture-perfect town of Rovinj is often called the jewel of Istria. Located on its own peninsula, Rovinj is a romantic hilltop town with pastel-coloured houses and sweeping sea views.

Don't miss:

• Exploring Rovinj's Old Town on foot
• Truffle hunting in Motovun Forest
• Discover hidden coves in Cape Kamenjak nature park

Best campsites:

Campsite Polari – Situated only 3.5 km from Rovinj, Campsite Polari is Maistra's largest campsite. It's an excellent family-friendly choice if you enjoy constant entertainment, with swimming pools, sports, activities, and direct access to the beach.
Val Vidal – A smaller and quieter option, 4km from Rovinj town and just 180 metres from the sea. Basic, clean facilities, peaceful surroundings, a bar, a shared barbecue area, and a kids' playground.

Pula

Pula is an exciting destination for history and architecture enthusiasts. While southern Croatia features medieval architecture, Pula boasts ancient Roman heritage and is home to one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world. Along the coast, away from the laid-back town, there are sea caves to explore by kayak and opportunities to dive down and explore underwater shipwrecks.

Don't miss:

• Roman Amphitheatre
• Temple of Augustus
• Shipwreck diving

Best campsites:

Arena Stoja Campsite – A 4-star campsite located on its own peninsula, with stunning sea views, restaurants, beaches, and its own diving centre.
Camping Briono – This laidback campsite is set within a fragrant pine forest, boasting perfect sea views and spacious pitches.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Croatia's most awe-inspiring natural attraction. Here, you'll find a stunning tapestry of cascading waterfalls, 16 interconnected turquoise lakes, and lush forests, all linked by wooden walkways and hiking trails.

Don't miss:

• The 78-metre high Veliki Slap (Great Waterfall)
• Boat rides on Kozjak Lake

Views from the panoramic sightseeing train

Best campsites:

Camping Plitvice – A modern, 5-star campsite located 5km from the Plitvice National Park. Here, you can enjoy luxury facilities, including an on-site restaurant, heated pool with bar, amphitheatre, and sports equipment.
Camping Korana – This is the official campsite of Plitvice National Park, and one of Croatia's largest campsites. Take the free shuttle bus to the lakes and dine at the excellent on-site restaurant.

Paklenica National Park

If you like hiking, climbing, or peaceful walks in nature, then you'll love Paklenica National Park. Set inland from Zadar, the park is part of the Velebit Mountain range and features dramatic canyons and peaceful walking trails through fragrant pine forests. The Velika Paklenica canyon is over 14 km long and 500 metres deep, providing incredible scenery and thrilling climbing opportunities.

Don't miss:

• Manita Pec Cave
• Hiking Velika Paklenica Canyon
• Wildlife like eagles and chamois

Best campsites:

Camping Paklenica – Located just 2km from the entrance to Paklenica National Park, this campsite boasts its own pebble beach, perfect for cooling off with the kids. Or, rent a kayak from the campsite to explore further.
Autocamp Pisak – A small, peaceful campsite located in a quiet location right by the sea. Enjoy beautiful sea views and clean, modern facilities. It's the perfect base for hiking in Paklenica.

Zadar

Zadar is a small, laidback town on the Dalmatian coast that is best known for its ancient history and atmospheric modern art installations. At the waterfront, you'll find the Sea Organ and the Greeting to the Sun light installation. Visit at sunset to see the Greeting to the Sun installation lit up and listen to the ethereal sounds of the sea organ as the waves gently lap over its hidden underwater pipes.

Don't miss:

• Roman ruins in Zadar Old Town
• Panoramic views from St. Anastasia's Cathedral
• Sandy beaches and salt pans in nearby Nin

Best campsites:

Falkensteiner Premium Camping – Open all year round, this is one of Croatia's best-known campsites. It's a huge place with tons of facilities for the whole family to enjoy, including a spa and seasonal events.
Camp Plat – If you're looking for a quieter, more intimate campsite close to Zadar city, Camp Plat offers a peaceful alternative to Falkensteiner. Here, you'll find private, spacious pitches set within greenery and just 150 metres from a beautiful pebble beach.

Krka National Park

Krka National Park is like Plitvice's little sister. Explore the park to discover waterfalls and emerald pools at every turn. While Plitvice is larger and more well-known, Krka is more easily accessible, as it is just a short drive from the D8. Many visitors also find it more relaxed and interactive than Plitvice. Unlike Plitvice, you can swim in certain areas of Krka, making it a fun stop for families with children.

Don't miss:

• Skradinski Buk waterfall
• Boat cruises to Visovac Island
• Traditional demonstrations at the Ethno Village

Best campsites:

Camp Marina – Conveniently located just 1km from Krka National Park, Camp Marina is the perfect base for hiking and exploring the park's waterfalls. This family-run camp boasts a cosy atmosphere and clean facilities.
Camp Krka – A large campsite with good facilities and shady pitches set within a pine forest. Staff can help you organise half-day or full-day excursions to Krka National Park.

Split

Split, Croatia's second-largest city, has been built in and around the stunning Diocletian's Palace. Today, this 4th-century Roman emperor's palace houses a selection of trendy boutiques and cafes. Beyond its historic centre, Split also boasts a lively seafront promenade, plenty of nearby beaches, and ferries departing for some of Croatia's most beautiful islands.

Don't miss:

• St. Domnius Cathedral and Bell Tower
• Incredible views from Marjan Hill
• The Riva Promenade

Best campsites:

Camping Stobrec Split – This 4-star campsite is the nearest option for exploring Split. It offers a huge range of facilities and entertainment for the whole family, including three outdoor pools, bars, beaches, and lots of sporting activities.
Camp Rozac – Located in the beautiful Trogir Riviera, Camp Rozac is about a 45-minute drive from Split. With excellent, clean facilities, the campsite offers easy access to a beautiful beach with crystal clear waters.

Brač Island

From Split, you can take your campervan on a ferry to Brač island, home to one of Croatia's most photographed beaches, the stunning Zlatni Rat beach. Brač is known for its traditional fishing villages, olive groves, and laidback seaside vibe. On the southern side of the island, you'll find Uvala Smrka (Shipwreck Cove), where the wreck of an old ship rests just below the water, making it a popular spot for snorkelling and kayaking.

Don't miss:

• The lively town of Bol
• Views from Vidova Gora, the island's highest peak
• Sunset at Zlatni Rat Beach

Best campsites:

Camping Aloa – Located on the south side of Brač island in a beautiful pine forest close to the beautiful Zlatni Rat beach, this campsite boasts sea views and the opportunity to join a range of exciting excursions.
Camping Waterman Beach Village – Camp in cool, shady pitches right on the waterfront. This chilled island campsite offers plenty of entertainment and activities for the whole family, including a kids' playground, putt-putt golf, table tennis, and pools.

Makarska Riviera

The Makarska Riviera stretches for about 60 km along the Dalmatian coast between Split and Dubrovnik. It is easily one of Croatia's most jaw-droppingly beautiful regions. Here, you have the Biokovo mountains rising sharply on one side and the sparkling turquoise sea on the other, forming a dramatic coastline lined with beautiful beaches and peaceful coves that you'll never forget.

Don't miss:

• Makarska Town
• Biokovo Skywalk
• The harbour town of Baska Voda

Best campsites:

Camp Riviera Makarska – The location is everything here, with breathtaking views of the sea in one direction and the mountains in the other.
Camping Krvavica – A small, family-owned campsite in the heart of the Makarska Riviera. With a pretty pebble beach just 200m away, this campsite offers quiet evenings immersed in nature.

Dubrovnik

The grand finale of your trip and Croatia's most iconic city, Dubrovnik is best known for its perfectly preserved medieval city walls and dramatic clifftop fortresses. Stroll through the city's gleaming marble streets, taking in its rich history and varied architecture, from Baroque churches to medieval fortresses. Then, relax on Banje Beach or take a boat to explore Lokrum Island.

Don't miss:

• Lovrijenac Fortress
• Lokrum Island
• The cable car up Mount Srd

Best campsites:

Solitudo Sunny Camping – Located just a 10-minute drive from the centre of Dubrovnik, this is the number one campsite for exploring the sights of the city.
Autocamp Kate – This small family-friendly campsite has clean, modern facilities and is located within walking distance of the seaside village of Mlini, where you can get a taxi boat ride to Dubrovnik's old port.

Specialist motorhome and campervan insurance through Ripe

Before packing up your campervan and setting off on your next big adventure, you might want to consider campervan insurance to help financially protect you whilst on the road.

Get a free quote online today.