In this paper, theoretical part of rural tourism is elaborated with a main focus on the protected area of “Park prirode Kopački rit”. The paper analyzes the features and forms of rural tourism from the aspect of sustainable development. In this paper, it is briefly represented the state of rural tourism in the Republic of Croatia, specifically in the Osijek-Baranja County, where “Park prirode Kopački rit” is located. Furthermore, sustainable tourism has been defined as the foundation of rural tourism development, based on three pillars: economy, society and environment. Ecotourism is recognized as the main form of sustainable and responsible tourism. Furthermore, the condition of the formed tourist supply was analyzed in the outskirts of the Nature Park. The tourist supply is based on countryside surrounding the Nature Park. Special areas of interest refer to the protected area of “Park Prirode Kopački rit”. With a definition of Nature Parks and a special zoological reserve, a visit to the Nature Park has been defined by the term eco visit. Also, in this paper is shown Nature Park management plan, as well as programs and project funded by the European Union. At the end of the work, along with the Nature Park's carrying capacity, there is also a brief overview of the statistical data which refers to the visitors of the Nature Park.