WHERE TO STAY IN PLITVICE LAKES NATIONAL PARK: A LOCAL’S GUIDE
If you’re wondering where to stay in Plitvice Lakes National Park, this post is for you!
Plitvice Lakes is one of the most visited attractions in Croatia, and thousands of travellers come here every year, especially during the summer season. Because of that, many people choose to stay nearby so they can explore the park over two or even three days instead of rushing through it in one.
I’ve visited Plitvice Lakes many times, and while I also have detailed guides on visiting the park and getting there from different cities, this post is focused only on one thing: where to stay near Plitvice Lakes so you can have the best possible experience. Keep reading!
WHERE IS PLITVICE LAKES NATIONAL PARK
Plitvice Lakes National Park is located in central Croatia, roughly halfway between Zagreb and Zadar. It’s inland, close to the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina, and surrounded by a very quiet, natural area. You can reach it easily by car or by bus. Since it’s not on the coast, Plitvice Lakes is a perfect stop if you’re traveling from Zagreb toward the coast or the other way around. We usually visit it from Zagreb, since that’s where we live. However, it’s also a very convenient stop if you’re traveling anywhere in North Dalmatia.
CAN YOU STAY IN PLITVICE LAKES NATIONAL PARK
You can’t stay inside Plitvice Lakes National Park itself, only in the surrounding area near the entrances. There are hotels and accommodations very close to the park, so you’ll only need a few minutes to reach one of the entrances. These options are usually the most expensive.
If you’re traveling on a budget, I’d recommend looking at apartments and guesthouses in nearby villages. You’ll still be just a short drive away from the park, but the accommodation prices are much more affordable.
IS IT WORTH STAYING IN PLITVICE LAKES NATIONAL PARK
Yes, staying in Plitvice Lakes can definitely be worth it if you want a more relaxed and deeper experience of the National Park. While you can see the park in only a day, in the summer busy crowds and extensive heat can make that a bit more difficult. If you stay overnight, you can explore early in the morning or later in the afternoon. That way, the crowds are smaller, and you can also avoid the strong sun throughout the day.
You also have more time in the park so you can split your visit across two days and see the national park at your own pace and as detailed as possible. Finally, it’s very convenient since hotels are right by the park entrances so you have short walks to trails and you don’t have to stress about driving and parking.
WHERE TO STAY IN PLITVICE LAKES NATIONAL PARK
Hotel Jezero
Hotel Jezero is the most popular choice if you want to stay as close to Plitvice Lakes as possible. It’s located right next to Entrance 2, just a short walk from Lake Kozjak. From there, you can easily access both the Upper and Lower Lakes. The hotel offers comfortable rooms and suites, two restaurants, and a spa and wellness area, which is great after a long day of walking in the park.
If you’re traveling with family or in a group, it’s good to know you can book connected rooms. Kids can use the playroom, while you can relax in the sauna, hot tub, gym, or winter garden. The hotel also has private parking and direct access to walking trails, which makes everything very easy and stress-free. Keep in mind that the hotel is not the most modern, and it is quite expensive mainly because of its unbeatable location.
Check hotel availability here!
Fenomen Plitvice Resort
This is one of the most unique resorts in Croatia, and it’s perfect for anyone who loves being in nature. Fenomen Plitvice is located just outside the park, close to Veliki Slap and the unofficial Entrance 3. The resort is made up of traditional-looking houses, but they’re modern, comfortable, and well equipped with private kitchenettes, which makes them great for couples, families, and longer stays.
You can also enjoy a restaurant and bar there, as well as relaxing outdoor areas like the garden, sun terrace, and a children’s playground. There’s also a wellness area with a hot tub and sauna, which is perfect after a long day of walking around the park. You’ll have free Wi-Fi, private parking, and a peaceful setting only about a 15-minute walk from Entrance 3. This is another slightly pricier option, but you really get a full experience here, which makes it absolutely worth it if you want to explore Plitvice in the best possible way.
Check hotel availability here!
Lakeside Hotel Plitvice
Lakeside Hotel Plitvice is a very comfortable and family-friendly place to stay near Plitvice Lakes National Park. It’s located in Plitvica Selo and is even closer to Entrance 3 than the previously mentioned Fenomen Plitvice Resort. The hotel offers modern, air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, and easy check-in. While the rooms have a traditional wooden style, they still include all the modern amenities you need for a comfortable stay.
Outside of your room, you can enjoy a spa area, a garden, a terrace, and an on-site restaurant. If you’re traveling with kids, this is a great option since the hotel has a kids’ club as well as both indoor and outdoor play areas. Breakfast is another highlight, you’ll get a great selection of local Croatian dishes as well as Mediterranean and European options. Free parking is included, which is always a plus. Just keep in mind that this hotel is on the pricier side. Rates reach around €300 per night during high season.
Check hotel availability here!
Plitvice Lakes Etno Garden
Plitvice Luxury Etno Garden Rooms is another great place to stay if you’re looking for peace, comfort, and a stay close to nature. It’s also located in Plitvica Selo, and you’ll need around 10 minutes to reach the park’s Entrance 3. The location is quiet and surrounded by greenery, which makes it really relaxing after a long day in the park.
The rooms are comfortable and well equipped, with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and flat-screen TVs. Outside, you can relax in the garden on sun loungers, enjoy meals at the restaurant, or spend time outdoors hiking, cycling, or even horse riding in the area. Overall, this is a really nice option if you want to stay close to Plitvice Lakes, enjoy nature, and spend a bit less compared to some of the hotels mentioned earlier.
Check hotel availability here!
Hotel Degenija
If you want to stay in a more modern hotel and don’t need the traditional house style, Hotel Degenija is a really comfortable option and quite a bit cheaper than the previous ones. It’s located in the village of Seliste Dreznicko and offers modern rooms with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and private bathrooms, so you’ll have everything you need for a pleasant stay.
The hotel also has a great restaurant where you can enjoy traditional Croatian dishes as well as international food. You can rent bikes and explore the surrounding area, and if you’re travelling with kids, there’s a playground they can enjoy. The hotel is about 4 kilometres from Entrance 1, so you’ll need to drive to the park. However, the drive only takes around 5 minutes, which makes it a very convenient and budget-friendly choice.
Hotel Palcich
Hotel Palcich is another modern and very comfortable place to stay near Plitvice Lakes National Park. It’s located in the village of Catrnja, about an 8–10 minute drive from the park, so it’s a good option if you don’t mind driving.
The hotel offers spacious, air-conditioned rooms with balconies, private bathrooms, and free Wi-Fi, which is really all you need for a pleasant stay. After a day of exploring the lakes, you can relax in the spa area, use the fitness room, or sit outside on the terrace. There’s also a hotel restaurant serving tasty Mediterranean and local dishes, so you don’t have to go far for a good meal. Overall, this is a great and affordable choice if you’re happy to drive to the park.
Check hotel availability here!
B&B Plitvice Lacus
B&B Plitvice Lacus is also a modern, elegant, and peaceful place to stay near the park. It’s located in Selište Drežnicko, very close to Hotel Degenija, which I mentioned earlier.
This lovely B&B offers comfortable, air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, balconies, and free Wi-Fi. You can relax in the garden or on the terrace and enjoy the quiet surroundings and beautiful views. Breakfast is excellent, and there’s also free private parking available.
You do need to drive to the park (about 5–7 minutes), but the location and comfort of this accommodation make it absolutely worth it. It’s a great choice for couples, families, and small groups visiting Plitvice Lakes.
Check hotel availability here!
16 Lakes Rooms
16 Lakes Rooms is a cozy and, so far, the most affordable option on this list, so it’s perfect if you want something comfortable but still budget-friendly. It’s located in the small village of Grabovac, about a 10–15 minute drive from Plitvice Lakes National Park.
The guesthouse offers comfortable rooms with private balconies and mountain views, along with free Wi-Fi and satellite TV. There are also plenty of outdoor activities nearby, such as swimming and canoeing in the Korana River, horseback riding, or visiting nearby spots like Rastoke village or the Barac Caves.
It’s not as fancy as some of the other places on this list, but if you’re traveling on a budget and still want a pleasant stay close to Plitvice, this is a really great choice.
Check hotel availability here!
Plitvice Inn
Another great place is Plitvice Inn. It’s located in the village of Jezerce, about a 15-minute drive from entrance 2 of the park. The hotel offers air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, and peaceful garden or lake views.
One of the biggest highlights of this hotel is its spa and wellness area. After a day of exploring the lakes, you can relax in the indoor and outdoor pools, hot tub, sauna, steam room, or fitness area. There are also activities like hiking, cycling, walking tours, and even skiing in winter, plus a children’s playground and a games room.
Plitvice Inn is a great choice if you want comfort, relaxation, and nature all in one place, while still staying in a more affordable accommodation near the park.
Check hotel availability here!
Guesthouse Green Valley
Guesthouse Green Valley is a quiet and comfortable place to stay near Plitvice Lakes. It’s officially the most affordable option on this list, with prices staying under 100 euros per night even during high season. The guesthouse is located in the village of Jezerce, only about a 5-minute drive from entrance 2 of the national park.
The guesthouse itself is really lovely, offering traditional, air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, and access to a nice shared garden. There’s also free private parking available. Because it’s so close to the park while still being very affordable, this is an excellent choice for budget travelers who want comfort and a peaceful stay near Plitvice Lakes.
Check hotel availability here!
Plitvice Holiday Resort
Finally, another exceptional resort near the national park is Plitvice Holiday Resort. This resort is located about 25 minutes by car from the park, but it offers a truly unique stay. You can choose between tents, charming wooden lake houses, premium mobile homes, or even a tree house, so there’s something for every type of traveler.
At the resort, you can also enjoy a restaurant that serves traditional Croatian and Lika-region dishes, as well as plenty of outdoor activities like cycling, kayaking, horseback riding, and climbing. Plitvice Holiday Resort is a great choice if you want a memorable and slightly different experience while visiting Plitvice Lakes.
Check hotel availability here!
CONCLUSION: WHERE TO STAY IN PLITVICE LAKES
There are so many different places to stay near Plitvice Lakes, so it really comes down to what kind of experience you want and what your budget is. If you’re looking for a stay that’s very focused on nature, I’d recommend Fenomen Plitvice Resort. If you’re travelling on a budget, Guesthouse Green Valley is a great choice. That said, whichever option you choose from this list, you’re sure to have a great stay and enjoy Plitvice Lakes to the fullest.
Helpful resources for planning your Croatia trip 🇭🇷
• Find your accommodation on Booking.com, Expedia.com or Hotels.com, depending on your budget and preferences
• Rent your car with DiscoverCars
• Buy your ferry tickets at Jadrolinija, TP Line, or Krilo
• Find your public transport options on Omio
• Get your e-Sim from SimLocal
• Grab your tours and entrance tickets at GetYourGuide, Viator, or Tiqets
