Croatian campsites are among the best, but also the most expensive in Europe. "The prices are higher, but it's a completely different kind of vacation"

Croatian camps rank among the best in Europe, according to recent assessments, but they are also among the most expensive. Despite the higher costs, visitors describe them as offering a unique kind of relaxation. The sector plays a significant role in Croatia’s tourism industry, contributing nearly a quarter of all overnight stays. According to statistics from the first half of this year, camps accounted for 19 percent of total overnight stays, compared to 33 percent in hotels and 29 percent in private accommodations. Over six months, more than 1 million guests stayed in Croatian camps, with over 5.6 million overnight stays recorded. In June alone, camps saw 21.41 percent of all overnight stays, just three percentage points less than hotels. The State Statistical Office reports that last year, 3.5 million tourists stayed in Croatian camps, which had 89,000 accommodation units and 266,000 permanent beds, representing 23 percent of the country's total capacity. These figures highlight the growing importance of camping in Croatia’s tourism landscape. Croatia has emerged as one of the top destinations for camping in Europe, according to the specialized portal PiNCAMP, operated by the German automobile club ADAC. The site notes that Croatia offers a wide range of camps, from basic plots to luxury accommodations. Five-star camps provide particularly high levels of comfort. According to PiNCAMP, the five best-rated Croatian camps include Čikat on Lošinj, Zaton near Zadar, Aminess Avalona Camp on Pag, Valamar Camp Lanterna between Nova Gruda and Poreč, and Valamar Camp Ježevac in Krk. This month, the camp Bor in Krk was also named one of the best European camps of the month, receiving an 8.3 rating. Croatia ranks alongside other popular European regions for camping, including Bavaria, South Tyrol, the French Riviera, the Baltic coast, the Dutch Ardennes, and Tuscany. The portal emphasizes that Croatia welcomes visitors with a diverse array of camps, ranging from simple plots to luxurious accommodations. According to PiNCAMP’s analysis of last year’s prices across Europe, Croatian camps were the most expensive in the continent. The average cost for a stay for two adults and a child aged ten in three-star and above camps was 52 euros. The cheapest camps were found in Germany (40 euros) and Sweden (43 euros). France, Denmark, Austria, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands averaged around 50 to 55 euros per night. Italy and Croatia stood out as the most expensive, with prices reaching 66 euros and 68 euros respectively. For the current season, prices for camping spots in Croatian camps range from tens of euros to over a hundred euros per day, according to the portal Camping.hr. Additional costs include accommodation per person, reservation fees, and local taxes. An example of the pricing structure can be seen at one of the highly rated camps mentioned by PiNCAMP. During peak season, such as July and August, an adult stay costs 17.70 euros per night, while children aged three to seven pay 8.40 euros and those aged seven to thirteen pay 12.90 euros. Standard plots range from 27.50 to 41.30 euros per day, while premium plots cost between 46 and 80 euros per day. A dog stay costs 7.90 euros per day. For a family of four, including one child under seven and another older child plus a dog, staying on a standard plot with electricity access (but not water) for ten days would cost approximately 1,059 euros. Adding reservation fees (50 euros), registration charges, and local taxes per person brings the total accommodation cost to roughly 1,180 euros. If the family chooses the most expensive plot with both electricity and water access directly to the sea, the cost rises to 1,572 euros.