Tourism in Croatia is usually connected to the Adriatic Sea, but our visit to the eastern part of the country, Slavonia, proves that the potential lies everywhere, even in places you would not expect it,
Papuk is not a high mountain; in fact, some would call it a hill (the highest peak is 953 m). Its location in fairly flat Slavonia does not speak in its favor—until you see its beauty for yourself.
A two-hour drive from the capital to the east, then a turn towards the town of Požega and a little further to a small village called Duboka, you find yourself in heavenly natural surroundings. It is so beautiful that it has UNESCO status as a Nature Geopark, and you can find more information about it HERE.
Camp Duboka
In keeping with the surroundings, Camp Duboka is located in the middle of the forest, with a small stream running along its western edge. There are ten concrete plots, each with its connection for electricity and water and enough space for an additional car (or parking for a vehicle pulling a trailer). Moreover, the park designers could have obtained almost twice as many plots if the quantity had mattered. But it wasn’t – beauty and impression were essential, so the camp turned out to be spacious and comfortable.
If you cross the small stream, you will find yourself in an adrenaline park that is very well arranged and has many facilities. As an additional benefit, it is part of the camp.
The only complaint is that only two toilets and two showers (female and male) are located in a beautiful, modernly designed building with a wooden facade. Unfortunately, they are open, and showering in cold weather is only recommended for the brave.
In addition to the beauty and well-thought-out design, we must point out an intervention that we have not seen anywhere before: a black glass monolith at the intersection of the paths that separate the area for campers from the area for tents.
You’d never guess what it is!
We’ll let you in on a secret: it’s an additional toilet open to camp visitors. Apart from the fact that it looks unusual from the outside (although you wouldn’t expect it, the modern black glass perfectly blended into the greenery of the surroundings), it’s about the fact that when you enter it and do what is done in the toilet, you see everything around you as if you were behind a transparent glass wall!
We must admit the experience is unusual and extraordinary, and you need to get used to it.
You can find more information about Camp Duboka on their website HERE.
Given the beauty of the camp and its surroundings and the fact that interesting hiking and cycling adventures can be had straight from it, we will definitely return to it!
Camp Duboka Score
Location: At the beginning of the forest. This is an ideal location for exploring nature! Our score is 10.
Environment: Fresh air, the sound of a nearby stream, greenery all around… Perfect! Score: 10
Accessibility: The camp is easy to find, the entrance is wide enough, and there is enough space for maneuvering your camper or trailer. Our score is 10.
Functionality: Everything works, but there is not enough place to wash the dishes (if at all). Our score is 6.
Comfort: The toilet and shower building are not closed, which is great for summer but not so for colder days. Since the camp is in a colder climate, our score is 6.
Hospitality: Cordial but kind of official. Score: 7.
Added values: 10 + 6 + 3 = 19
Our score for sports activities: 10; cultural activities: 6; gastronomy: 6. Average: 6
The camp is an excellent starting point for exploring the Park of Nature Papuk, hiking, and biking. Adrenalin Park is a beautiful addition. Although the tourist community did a great job explaining the history of Papuk, we don’t see many opportunities for cultural activities around here. And as for the food… well, seeing the menu at a nearby restaurant, we didn’t even try to ask if there was anything else they would like to offer besides spicy and greasy local meat food.
Will we return?
Absolutely! Papuk is an extraordinary place, and this small, peaceful, and pleasant camp is an ideal starting point for exploring nature.
About the Author: Emina
