Independent travellers have made camping Croatia popular. So there's a new generation of small, family owned sites springing up on the Adriatic coast. Services like WIFI are widely available. A mix of location and atmosphere define the best sites. And campgrounds on South Dalmatian Islands are now the top choices.
Take a look at our nine favourite beach camping Croatia spots, from north to south. Remember all sites are on hard, stony ground, so watch your tent pegs. The information in this article is taken from Rough Guides Snapshot Croatia: Split and the south Dalmatian coast.
Avoid staying in overcrowded Dubrovnik in summer. Choose beachfront camping instead. Molinat is 35km south of the city on a small, shallow bay. Surrounded by greenery, the village faces east and has several campsites.
Don't avoid Dubrovnik completely. An old town guided walking tour is easy to do from Molunat.
Croatia sea in Molunat Dubrovnik © KarolinaHubackova/Shutterstock
Grebišće Beach is on Hvar Island's north coast. It's four kilometres from Jelsa village, and has shallow waters and a sandy seabed. Camping Grebišće sits just above the beach.
Want to island hop from Hvar? Take a full-day sailing tour of the Paklinski Islands.
Beach of Grebisce near the town of Jelsa on the island of Hvar © Stjepan Tafra/Shutterstock
Lovište is on the less travelled end of the Pelješac Peninsula. A small fishing village, it has clear seas, shingle shores and a few local taverns. Camp Lupis is right beside the beach.
Prefer to leave planning and booking to experts? Have a look at some sample itineraries. Both Complete Croatia and Croatia Itineraries offer inspiration. All Tailor Made Tours can be modified together with your local expert and then booked for a stress-free holiday. Click 'Modify this itinerary' to contact a local Croatia expert.
Travelling to Hvar's south coast is an adventure. Take care on the winding road through Pitve. And beware of the single-lane tunnel. Your reward is blissful peace. No clubs or cocktail bars on this stretch of coast. Local beaches range from shingle coves to rocky outcrops. And the landscape mixes sloping vineyards with cliffs.
In search of more peace? Try an afternoon sailing tour of the Paklinski Islands.
Jagodna Beach, Croatia © BLESKY/Shutterstock
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Milna sits east of Hvar Town. It's just a small group of houses below the main Hvar–Stari Grad road. But the main beach here is broad, pebbly and sheltered. And smaller, quieter Mala Milna beach is only a short walk west.
Yachts on anchor in Milna Bay photographed from the terrace of a restaurant - Hvar, Croatia © Ikonya/Shutterstock
Adriatik Kamp is just outside the town of Primošten, Not the most intimate camping Croatia experience. But it's one of the Dalmatian mainland’s most pleasant campsites.
Drop in on Split and take a guided walking tour of Diocletian's Palace.
Aerial view of Primosten old town, amazing sunny landscape, Dalmatia, Croatia © misław/Shutterstock
Camping Jasenovo is one Croatia's finest small sites. You'll find it in Žaborić, 15km southeast of Šibenik.
Head to Šibenik for a full day boat tour of Kornati National Park.
Zaboric, Croatia © Rinadorf/Shutterstock
The windsurfing village of Viganj is camping Croatia at its best. A string of sites line Ponta Beach here. And you don't have to be a surfer to get the vibe.
When the wind drops, try a sunset kayaking tour from Dubrovnik.
View of the coastline from above VIganj, on the Pelješac peninsula © Nutfield Chase/Shutterstock
Medveja is 10km south of Opatija. It's known as home to one of northern Croatia's best family beaches.
Camping Medveja is right behind the beach. Spacious site in sheltered location. Close to popular Učka mountain hiking trail.
Beach in Medveja,Croatia © omiklos/Shutterstock
Discover the best ways to get to the islands in Croatia with our guide about island-hopping in Croatia. Also read our guide to the best beaches in Croatia and choose the best options for you.
Ready for a trip to Croatia? Check out the snapshot Rough Guide to Croatia. Read more about the best time to go to Croatia, the best places to visit and best things to do in Croatia. For inspiration use the Croatia Itineraries from The Rough Guide to Croatia and our local travel experts. A bit more hands on, learn about getting there, getting around the country and where to stay once you are there. And don't forget to buy travel insurance before you go.
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