Camping in a Country Built for It
Montenegro has some of the best wild landscapes in Europe, and camping here feels like going back in time. Organised campsites range from basic fields with a tap to well-equipped sites with showers, power hookups, and lake views. Wild camping exists in a legal grey area that we will explain below.
A rental car with a rooftop tent or basic camping gear in the boot gives you the freedom to stop wherever the road and the law allow. The combination of coastal beaches, mountain meadows, and lake shores means you can camp in a completely different landscape every night.
Camping Rules in Montenegro
Understanding the rules will save you a fine and an uncomfortable conversation with local police.
- Organised campsites are legal and regulated. Prices range from €5 to €25 per night depending on facilities and location.
- Wild camping is technically prohibited in national parks, nature reserves, and within town boundaries. Fines can apply but are rarely enforced for discreet, single-night stays.
- The coast is more strictly policed than the mountains. Camping on beaches is not tolerated in summer, especially near tourist towns.
- In mountain areas, shepherds and farmers are generally tolerant of respectful campers. Ask permission if you are on or near someone's land.
Best Coastal Camping Spots
Camp Full Monte near Kotor is the standout coastal campsite. Set on terraces above the bay with shade trees, clean facilities, and views across to Perast. Pitches cost around €15-20 for a car and tent. Book ahead in July and August.
Further south, Autocamp Ujaca near Ulcinj sits among olive trees a short walk from the beach. It is simpler and cheaper, with a relaxed atmosphere. The long sandy beach at Ulcinj is a five-minute drive away.
Mountain Camping
Zabljak has several campsites near the edge of Durmitor National Park. Camp Razvrsje is the most popular, with flat pitches, hot showers, and a restaurant. Nights are cool even in August at 1,450 metres, so bring warm layers and a decent sleeping bag rated to at least 5 degrees.
Near Biogradska Gora, the national park has a small campsite by the lake with basic facilities. It fills up fast in summer. Check availability at the park gate. For more on the parks, see our guide to Montenegro's national parks.
Essential Gear
Packing the right gear makes the difference between a great night and a miserable one.
- Tent: A decent 2-person tent that can handle wind. Montenegro gets sudden storms, especially in the mountains.
- Sleeping bag: Rated to 5°C for mountain camping, 15°C for the coast in summer.
- Sleeping pad: Insulated foam or inflatable. Ground in the mountains is rocky and cold.
- Head torch: Essential. Mountain campsites and wild spots have no lighting.
- Water filter or purification tablets: Mountain springs are generally safe but a filter is good insurance.
- Cooking stove and gas: Camping gas canisters are available at hardware stores in Podgorica and Niksic. Harder to find on the coast.
Choosing the Right Rental Car
For car camping, you want boot space and ground clearance. A mid-size SUV like a Jeep Renegade or Dacia Duster handles mountain tracks and carries all your gear. Smaller cars work for coastal camping where the roads are better but boot space is a squeeze with full camping kit.
Check that your rental agreement allows driving on unpaved roads. Most standard policies cover gravel roads but not extreme off-road. If you are heading to remote mountain campsites, clarify this at pickup.
Camping Tips
- Water: Fill up bottles at every mountain spring you pass. Town water is safe to drink throughout Montenegro.
- Waste: Pack out everything you bring in. There are no bins at wild camping spots.
- Fires: Campfires are prohibited in national parks and during dry summer months. Use a stove for cooking.
- Safety: Lock valuables in the car boot, not visible on seats. Montenegro is safe but opportunistic theft happens at tourist spots.