Where to Stay Near Plitvice Lakes
The closest accommodation to Plitvice Lakes is inside the park itself — Hotel Jezero (the only park hotel open year-round), Hotel Plitvice, and Hotel Bellevue, all located near Entrance 2. Outside the park, the villages of Mukinje (within walking distance of Entrance 2), Rastovača (near Entrance 1), Grabovac (9 km north), and Rakovica (approximately 10 km) have numerous guesthouses and smaller hotels. Staying overnight near the park allows early morning entry before day-trippers arrive and qualifies guests of Hotel Jezero for free multi-day park entry after the first paid day.
The majority of Plitvice Lakes visitors arrive on a day trip and leave the same evening. Those who stay overnight consistently report a significantly better experience — earlier access, calmer mornings, the ability to visit in different light conditions, and freedom from the day-trip schedule. This guide covers all the accommodation options by location and type.
Top Tickets
Why Staying Overnight Is Worth It
Staying overnight near Plitvice Lakes has three concrete advantages over a day trip. First, you can enter the park at opening time (7:00 AM in summer, 8:00 AM otherwise) without the 2-hour drive from Zagreb or the coast — meaning you genuinely arrive first rather than being one of many trying to beat the crowds. Second, guests at Hotel Jezero and the official park campsites (Korana and Borje) receive free entry to the park for all days after the first paid day — making a two-night stay significantly cheaper per park-visit than separate day tickets. Third, an overnight stay allows you to visit the park in both morning and afternoon light, experience the trails without time pressure, and see the park in two different moods.
Hotels Inside the Park
All three park hotels are owned and operated by the Plitvice Lakes National Park Public Institution. They are located near Entrance 2, adjacent to Lake Kozjak.
Hotel Jezero is the largest and only park hotel open year-round. Located directly next to Entrance 2, 300 metres from Lake Kozjak, it offers rooms overlooking the park or the forest, two restaurants, a spa, wellness centre, and fitness facilities. Breakfast is included. Hotel guests receive an extended park ticket — meaning you pay for the first day and enter the park free on all subsequent days of your stay. This makes multi-night stays at Hotel Jezero particularly good value for visitors who want to explore the park thoroughly over two or more days. Book directly through the park’s official website for the most accurate rates.
Hotel Plitvice (52 rooms) is located a short walk from Hotel Jezero, also near Entrance 2. It offers a restaurant, free parking, and the same multi-day free entry benefit for guests. Closed December, January, February, and March.
Hotel Bellevue is the most budget-friendly of the three park hotels. Built in the 1960s, it is functional rather than luxurious, offering basic en-suite rooms, a complimentary breakfast, and proximity to the park’s entrance. Also closed in the coldest winter months.
The key advantage of all three park hotels is the extended ticket benefit: one paid entry, free every subsequent day. For visitors planning a genuine two-day exploration of Plitvice, this is significant — saving €40 (peak season) or €23 (shoulder season) per adult on the second day.
Guesthouses and Small Hotels Near Entrance 1
The village of Rastovača sits approximately 15 minutes’ walk from Entrance 1. It has a range of family-run guesthouses and small hotels offering clean, comfortable rooms with breakfast, free parking, and owners who are well-versed in helping guests plan their park visit. Accommodation here is generally less expensive than the park hotels while offering a genuinely local hospitality experience.
Grabovac village, approximately 9 km north of Entrance 1 on the D1, has a cluster of family hotels and guesthouses including Hotel Grabovac (which offers a free shuttle bus to the park included in room price). Staying in Grabovac gives you easy D1 access to the park while keeping accommodation costs lower.
Guesthouses and Small Hotels Near Entrance 2
The village of Mukinje is within walking distance of Entrance 2 — approximately a 10-minute walk to the gate. It has several guesthouses and small apartments offering quiet, forest-adjacent stays with the same early-morning access advantage as the park hotels, at considerably lower prices. Some properties in Mukinje also offer access to the park’s auxiliary Flora entrance.
Jezerce and Plitvička Jezera (the small settlement adjacent to the park entrances) also have guesthouses and apartments. These are among the most convenient non-hotel options, often within 5–10 minutes’ walk of both entrances.
Campsites
Camping Korana is located approximately 6 km from Entrance 1, on the Korana River in a 35-hectare woodland setting. Open from spring to autumn, it caters for tents, caravans, and motorhomes, and also has 47 bungalows for guests who want a more comfortable camping experience. Korana campsite guests receive the same multi-day free entry benefit as Hotel Jezero guests — pay for the first day, return to the park free on subsequent days.
Camping Borje is located approximately 16 km from Entrance 2. Smaller than Korana, it offers a quieter setting with modern sanitary facilities and spaces for up to 408 guests.
Choosing by Visitor Type
| Visitor type | Best option |
|---|---|
| Comfort and convenience, park access | Hotel Jezero |
| Budget, local character, near E1 | Guesthouse in Rastovača or Grabovac |
| Budget, local character, near E2 | Guesthouse in Mukinje or Jezerce |
| Families or campers, spring–autumn | Camping Korana (bungalows or pitches) |
| Two-night stay wanting free re-entry | Hotel Jezero, Camping Korana, or Camping Borje |
Booking Advice
Accommodation near Plitvice Lakes books up quickly for peak season (June–August), particularly on weekends. Book at least 4–6 weeks in advance for summer stays. For shoulder season (May, September, October), 2–3 weeks ahead is generally sufficient, though popular properties fill faster.
Hotel Jezero and the other park hotels can be booked through the official park website (np-plitvicka-jezera.hr) or through major booking platforms. Guesthouses and smaller properties often offer better rates when booked directly by email or phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hotel at Plitvice Lakes?
Hotel Jezero is the most convenient and the only park hotel open year-round. Its location, multi-day free entry benefit, and full facilities make it the top choice for visitors who prioritise park access. For those who want more character and lower prices, family guesthouses in Rastovača or Mukinje are excellent alternatives.
Is it worth staying overnight at Plitvice Lakes?
Yes — consistently reported as one of the decisions that most improves visitors’ experience of the park. Early morning access before day-trippers arrive, and the free multi-day re-entry for park hotel and campsite guests, are the two most concrete advantages.
Can I walk to the park from my accommodation?
If staying in Mukinje, Rastovača, or the guesthouses immediately adjacent to the park, yes — walking distance to the gate is typically 5–15 minutes. From Grabovac (9 km away), Hotel Grabovac offers a free shuttle bus.
Is free parking available at park hotels?
Yes. All three park hotels offer free parking for guests. This saves the daily parking fee (approximately €1.50–2 per hour) which adds up significantly over a multi-night stay.
