Things to do around Plitvice Lakes
Camping Plitvice is located in central Croatia, in the village of Smoljanac, which is part of the Municipality of Plitvička Jezera and Lika-Senj County. The state border with Bosnia and Herzegovina lies nearby to the east. We could say that by staying at our campsite, you are staying in the very heart of Croatia.
Lika and the Plitvice Lakes
The area covers 470.79 km² and has a population of just under five thousand, and the region itself is surrounded by mountains. To the west stretches Mala Kapela (known as Gvozd), and to the east Plješivica (known as Vražji vrt, which served as a defence against Turkish attacks), whose highest peak at 1646 m above sea level is also the highest peak in this area. The natural wealth of this area includes diverse animal species such as birds, butterflies and game (roe deer, wolves, lynx, bears), as well as forests (beech, hornbeam, fir). Strategically located, Camping Plitvice is the same distance – an hour’s drive by car – from Gospić to the south (69 km) and Karlovac to the north (78.5 km). The close proximity of the sea, together with continental and Mediterranean climates, creates a unique experience of contrast across as many as three different climatic and vegetation zones, although the area mainly has a mountain climate.
For more information, visit:discoverplitvice.comlika-destination.hr
Interesting facts
The Korana River has its source in the Plitvice Lakes and its mouth in the Kupa River (towards the north of Croatia). It is 134.2 km long. Besides the Korana, there are also the Una River (on the eastern side) and the Gacka (on the western side of the municipality) nearby, which you can explore by kayak. Take a look at our partners’ offer for more information about activities. Probably the best-known symbol of Lika is the Lika cap, recognisable by its red colour and decorated with black motifs and black tassels (fringes). Famous people originally from the Municipality of Plitvička Jezera are the physician Andrija Štampar (1888–1958), the actors Rade Šerbedžija and Đorđe Rapajić (Nosonja from the TV series Smogovci), and the singer Vlado Kalember. Famous people originally from the nearby area are Ban Josip Jelačić, who always emphasised his Lika roots, and the artist and singer Josipa Lisac.
Gastronomy
The local cuisine is based on the continental mountain climate, in which the growing of cereals and herbs and the raising of livestock for milk, dairy and meat products prevailed. The traditional Lika cuisine you will find on the menus of local restaurants includes various porridges (polenta) made from maize, oats, barley or millet, sauerkraut or beans combined with meat, homemade bread, sour or fresh milk, fine hard cheeses, potato pie (krumpirača), zeljanica or polica (the Lika name for potatoes baked in their skins), and desserts such as uštipci, a poured batter fried in hot oil, and strudels in various flavours. If you would like to try the rich range of indigenous cheeses from the Lika region, we recommend a visit to the “Runolist” cheese dairy in Otočac, which, besides a cheese tasting room and the opportunity to taste quality wines, also has an educational room (corridor) about the cheese-making process. www.sirana-runolist.com.hr
Local products
In addition to farm-fresh milk, a large selection of cheeses, the most popular of which is škripavac, and various meat products, the range offered by local family farms includes local honey (mostly meadow honey, and the most medicinal of them is Medun, known as the king of all honeys), various fruit products such as fruit butters, jams or juices made from aronia and blackberries, teas made from nettle, elderflowers or peppermint, wild plants such as mushrooms dried for tea or various dishes, traditional Lika cakes such as Plitvice strudel, and homemade brandies of various kinds (quince, pear, apple, honey, sour cherry and carob), the best known of which is Lička šljivovica.
You can find the full range at: lika-destination.hr/lika-quality
Attractions
Plitvice Lakes National Park is the oldest and largest national park in the Republic of Croatia and is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Its area of almost 300 km² is made up mostly of forests, a smaller part of grassland, and just 1% of lakes and waterfalls (a total of 16 cascading lakes connected by rushing waterfalls), which form the most beautiful part of this gem of natural heritage.
Baraćeve špilje will give you a unique experience of the underground world and the untouched nature of magnificent dripstone formations, which you can explore on a 60-minute expert-guided tour. discoverplitvice.com: Baraćeve špilje
Visit Drežnik Old Town to experience a breath of history dating back as far as the 11th century, when Drežnik was a very important defensive stronghold; today, all that remains are parts of the town’s defensive walls and a large inner tower. plitvickedoline.hr: Drežnik Old Town
At the Bićanić family’s “Dolina Jelena” ranch, you can spend time with red deer and fallow deer. discoverplitvice.com: Dolina Jelena ranch
The Špoljarić sawmill and watermill in the village of Korana is the only one of a total of five mills along the River Korana that still works today, using the power of water to grind grain and saw wood. It was built in the 19th century and has been restored over time. discoverplitvice.com: Špoljarić sawmill and mill
Visit the Korenica Astronomical Society to enjoy the beauty of the night sky. discoverplitvice.com: Korenica Astronomical Society
The “Nikola Tesla” Memorial Centre, which is located outside the Municipality of Plitvička Jezera, in Smiljan to be precise, is still close to you and well worth a visit to witness the work of this brilliant scientist and inventor of electric current.
The Željava underground military airbase and complex was built in 1960, during the time of Yugoslavia. Built in complete secrecy, it was one of 2 military airfields on permanent standby in Yugoslavia. It was built during the Cold War, when there was great fear of a nuclear attack. Strategically positioned, it served for the defence and aerial surveillance of the territory, but it was also a place hidden from radar eyes in the West! At the very entrance to the base there is a Douglas aircraft. The aircraft was originally used to transport and drop paratroopers, and Tito received it as a gift at the end of World War II. Douglas aircraft are still used in Africa today to transport goods. According to aircraft experts, this plane is excellently built and, with its simple mechanics, still serves its purpose even after 70 years! The aircraft at the entrance to Željava was fully preserved until the Yugoslav People’s Army (JNA) withdrew from the base. It is a very popular place to stop, because photos in front of the aircraft are impressive. You can also look around the inside of the aircraft and even sit in the cockpit to take the perfect selfie. The barracks and runways are at the foot of Plješivica mountain. Željava Airbase takes its name from the nearby village of the same name, Željava. To reach the complex, you have to pass through the village of Željava. For the construction, residents were moved out of some houses and nearby villages and resettled in Ličko Petrovo Selo or in the town of Bihać. Interestingly, between the entrances to tunnel number 2 and tunnel number 3 there is a cemetery founded by the people who lived in the villages before the airbase came.
Excursions and activities
- 22 excursions and activities
- 3 km to the National Park
Park and caves 4
Baraćeve špilje
So close, and yet far enough away to experience unspoilt nature with all your senses!
Guided tours are available throughout the day, and our expert guides will be happy to introduce you to all the secrets of the karst underground. After touring the caves, relax at our idyllic picnic area, which offers a wide range of facilities, from activities for children and adults to a true green oasis of peace by the Baraćevac spring and stream.
For more information, visit: www.baraceve-spilje.hr
Guided tour of the Plitvice Lakes
If you would like to leave maps and navigation behind so that you can explore and see the Plitvice Lakes without a care.
We offer you a tour of the Plitvice Lakes with a first-class guide.
Grabovača Cave Park
In November 2019, the wider Grabovača area was declared permanently protected in the category SIGNIFICANT LANDSCAPE. Great geodiversity has been recorded in the significant landscape area, and all the features that make Lika a special Croatian region and a special region of the Dinaric karst are gathered in a small space (Buzjak, Bočić and Pahernih, 2013). A special place is held by the speleological sites, which have been explored for almost 180 years. The Velebit breccias also make this area special: in their lithological composition, geological position and geographical location they are a unique phenomenon in the world.
Speleon
Speleon is a visitor centre that opened in January 2023 in Rakovica, near Baraćeve špilje and Plitvice Lakes National Park. The centre presents the natural and cultural heritage of the area, including the themes of speleology, geology, archaeology and palaeontology. It features a circular exhibition with modern multimedia content, a multipurpose hall where a documentary film about the Ice Age is shown, a children’s playroom, a café bar, a souvenir shop and an atrium with hyperrealistic animals.
The centre also displays fossilised remains of Ice Age animals, such as lions, hyenas, woolly rhinoceroses and others, which were found in Gornja Baraćeva špilja. Visitors can learn about these extinct species and their habitats, as well as about the history and geology of the caves in this area.
The centre is open to visitors all year and offers organised tours with expert guides. No advance notice is required for individual visitors, families and groups of fewer than 15 people. Ticket prices vary depending on the season and the type of visitor. The centre is adapted for people with disabilities and children of all ages.
On the water 4
Kayaking on the Mrežnica River
The Mrežnica kayaking trip takes you through the protected area “Mrežnica-Tounjčica Nature Monument”, through a narrow gorge lit by the sun only a few days a year. You will paddle past white cliffs, lush vegetation, waterfalls and springs of fresh water, ideal for a summer swim. The Mrežnica offers an alternation of dynamic and calm sections, keeping up the rhythm of adrenaline. On the rapids and waterfalls you will practise your paddling skills, and on the calmer sections you will rest and swim. The first break is at an 8-metre waterfall, and the picnic is at the famous Dvoslap.
Rafting on the River Mrežnica
Rafting on the Mrežnica takes place in the protected area “Mrežnica Significant Landscape” and is perfect for beginners, families and team building. Enjoy swimming, jumping off waterfalls and unspoilt nature. Clear emerald water, untouched forests and numerous travertine waterfalls make this karst river ideal for rafting, canoeing and kayaking. In summer, the water temperature reaches as much as 27°C.
Rafting on the River Una
Choose the adventure that suits you and your friends, because rafting can’t be described, it has to be experienced. Be part of #UNAdventure.
If you would like to round off your active holiday after an adrenaline-filled rafting trip, join the sightseeing tours of the “Land of Waterfalls” in Una National Park.
For more information, visit the website: www.una-kiro-rafting.com
Grain barge trip
Our telephone, address: Šetalište dr Franje Tuđmana 1, 47000 Karlovac
During the cruise on a faithful replica of an 18th-century wooden barge, our boatmen will introduce you to the story and history of boatmanship, the history of the Pokuplje region, sunken barges and ancient ships, tales of the Karlovac sirens, and the rich plant and animal life. Children will enjoy the cruise and an interpretation adapted to them: they will fill in worksheets, tie knots and sound the ship’s horn. During the cruise you can see the remains of the old railway bridge destroyed in the Croatian War of Independence and bunkers from the Second World War, the Pauline monastery and the Church of Our Lady of the Snows in Kamensko. Along the way, visitors are accompanied by a host of animals such as the beautiful kingfisher, the white-tailed eagle, wild ducks, herons and cormorants, and sometimes an otter or a beaver can be spotted too.
Today the Kupa invites you to get to know her, to feel her strength and power. She invites you to hear the sound of her silence, her nature and her character.
Horses and animals 3
Ranch Dolina Jelena
Visit Ranch Deer Valley, also known as Dolina Jelena, a unique place in nature where you can get up close to stags, hinds and fallow deer.
In the peaceful green surroundings of the Plitvice Valleys, experience a special encounter with the animals and enjoy feeding them, taking photos and a relaxing walk through nature. This trip is particularly appealing to families with children, animal lovers and anyone who wants to experience something different during their stay near the Plitvice Lakes.
For more information, visit the website: https://www.ranch-deervalley.com/
Horse riding
Reliable horses, experienced guides and the beautiful landscapes of the Plitvice valleys await you on a special horse-riding experience in nature.
Experience the beauty of the Plitvice region on horseback, and enjoy the silence and fresh air as you ride through forests, meadows and natural trails near the Plitvice Lakes.
The offers are tailored to age and riding experience: from gentle rides for beginners to longer tours and trips for more experienced riders.
We organise this activity in cooperation with our partner ranches: Ranch Terra | Ranch Equus Igni | Ranch Yellow
For more information and bookings, contact the campsite reception.
Carriage ride
CARRIAGE RIDE (Smoljanac 67, Smoljanac 53231 Plitvička Jezera, +385 (0)53 652 484)
Let us take you on an unforgettable adventure through nature and bring to life the beauty and special features of this area.
Our faithful horses will bring together the fairy tale of a modern, well-equipped carriage and the famous Wild West wagonette.
The carriage is fitted with a table with drink holders.
Play music on the Bluetooth speaker or enjoy the sounds of nature.
On wheels and in the air 5
Paragliding
Enjoy an unforgettable experience paragliding above our beautiful destination.
For more information, visit the website: http://www.sky-riders-paragliding-croatia.com/ https://www.facebook.com/paraglidingskyriderscroatia/
Cycling tours
Cycling and hiking trips in unspoilt nature, accompanied by expert guides and irresistible tastings of the flavours and aromas of local delicacies such as homemade honey, cheese, fruit and freshly prepared drinks from local producers, are the perfect way to avoid the crowds and create the most unforgettable authentic experiences.
For more information, visit the website: https://plitvicebike.com/
Quad riding in the Plitvice Valleys
A safari ride through the dense forests of the Plitvice Valleys, across karst terrain and above the canyon of the River Korana will give you unforgettable experiences during your holiday.
For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/QuadBuggy-adventure-on-Plitvice-Valleys-routes-499056423966098/
Buggy tours
Experience the Plitvice region in an exciting way with buggy tours through nature, forest tracks and hidden landscapes around the Plitvice Lakes.
A range of buggy experiences is on offer — from longer panoramic sightseeing tours lasting 2 to 4 hours to a more dynamic adrenaline programme for guests who want a more active ride and an off-road adventure.
A buggy tour is the ideal choice for couples, families, groups of friends and all nature lovers who want to combine fun, exploration and an authentic outdoor experience of the Plitvice valleys.
We organise this activity in cooperation with our partner providers:
For more information and bookings, contact the campsite reception.
Plitvice off road
Experience the Plitvice region from a completely different perspective on a Plitvice Off Road adventure through nature, forest tracks and hidden landscapes around the Plitvice Lakes.
This activity is ideal for all guests looking for a combination of adrenaline, exploration and an authentic outdoor experience. Enjoy the ride along off-road routes, the panoramic views and special locations that reveal a different, more active side of the Plitvice Valleys.
Plitvice Off Road is an excellent choice for couples, families, groups of friends and all nature lovers who want to enrich their stay with an unforgettable adventure.
For more information, visit the website: https://www.plitvice-off-road.com/
Museums in Karlovac 2
Aquatika - Aquarium
The Karlovac freshwater aquarium is located on the right bank of the Korana River. The building is set into the ground and covered on the outside with earth embankments. The design was inspired by the town’s historic centre: the Karlovac star surrounded by “ramparts”, defensive earth embankments. The aquarium’s facilities are hidden around the square, without disturbing the natural appearance of the Korana valley. The aquarium’s exhibition presents the flora and fauna of Croatian rivers and their ecosystems, the geological past, and the traditional culture and history of the basin of Karlovac’s four rivers. The exhibition shows the course of a karst river – its river flora, fauna and biodiversity. At the final point of the exhibition there are a staircase and a lift that take visitors back to the entrance area through the souvenir shop. At the centre of the building there is a space for analysing the technological parameters of the water, with a scientific research centre, and a room for acclimatising fish.
Nikola Tesla Experience Centar
Visit a unique centre in the heart of Karlovac dedicated to Nikola Tesla! In a contemporary way, with the help of modern technology, it brings lesser-known stories about the life and work of the famous inventor. Feel the power of electricity by touching the Tesla coil or the levitating tablets! Children will have fun with games and brain teasers, while adults will be inspired by Tesla’s genius. Awaken your curiosity and join the community of Tesla fans by visiting our Centre, located at an authentic site right next to the school where young Nikola was educated. Visit us and enjoy an unforgettable experience!
Peace and flavours 3
Meditation
If you want to unwind from a fast-paced lifestyle and get rid of stress, meditation is the right choice for you.
We offer meditation in a completely relaxed, peaceful and natural setting.
Honey Inhalation - Apitherapy
By breathing in air directly from beehives, we gain multiple benefits for our body. In addition to breathing exercises, we inhale beneficial particles of royal jelly, pollen, propolis and honey. By using blossom honey, we boost and maintain our immunity.
Plitvice Cooking class
Enjoy an authentic gastronomic experience in the heart of the Plitvice Valleys and get to know the flavours of local tradition in a special way.
Cooking Class Plitvice in Rastovača offers the chance to take part in preparing home-made dishes, discover local ingredients and enjoy the warm atmosphere of the Plitvice area. This experience is ideal for couples, families, small groups and all guests who want to enrich their stay with something different, personal and delicious.
For more information, visit the website: https://plitvicecooking.com/en/home/
Transport 1
Private VIP transfer
We offer you a carefree and comfortable ride with a professional driver who will be at your disposal for everything you need. On your way to the unique Plitvice waterfalls, enjoy the beautiful landscapes in the comfort of a limousine or a luxury van. Forget the stress… and immerse yourself in a relaxing weekend! Of course, so that you can still stay connected, WiFi internet is available in the vehicles. Your dream holiday is just a few mouse clicks away. Choose from the top-class Mercedes S-Class, the refined Mercedes E-Class, the elegant Mercedes V-Class van and many others. Whether you are coming from Zagreb, Zadar, Split, Rijeka or Dubrovnik, just choose your favourite car, let us know your place of departure – and the adventure begins!
Excursions and activities are run by the campsite's partners. Booking and payment take place at reception.
Photos of the surroundings
Questions
Where is the campsite located?
In the village of Smoljanac, which is part of the Municipality of Plitvička Jezera and Lika-Senj County, in central Croatia.
What else is there to see in the area besides the National Park?
Baraćeve špilje, Drežnik Old Town, the “Dolina Jelena” ranch, the Špoljarić sawmill and watermill in the village of Korana, the Korenica Astronomical Society, the “Nikola Tesla” Memorial Centre in Smiljan and the Željava underground military airbase.
How long does a tour of Baraćeve špilje take?
An expert-guided tour of Baraćeve špilje lasts 60 minutes.
Where can I taste Lika cheeses?
At the “Runolist” cheese dairy in Otočac, which, as well as a cheese tasting room and wine tasting, also has an educational room about cheese production.
On the map
Booking and contact
Find the nature within you.
Reception
Camping PlitviceSmoljanac 67, 53231 Plitvička Jezera
+385 (0)53 652 484
reception@campingplitvice.hr
Restaurant
Restaurant and Pool Bar Plitvice, daily 7:00–23:00restoran@campingplitvice.hr