Little Known Secret Camping Routes in Turkey
The stress brought by modern life, the constant rush to get somewhere, and the invasion of the digital world are wearing our minds and bodies down a little more each day. Our souls, lost among concrete structures, actually need the green, earth, and clean air they have been accustomed to for thousands of years. Retreating to nature is not just a vacation choice; it is also a rehabilitation process. Camping, waking up to the sounds of birds in the morning, and listening to the crackling of the fire under the stars at night remind us of our essence. Cooking our own meals, setting up our tent, and facing the challenges of nature refresh our self-confidence while allowing us to escape the chaos of life for a moment. The hidden spots we will share in this article will provide you with unparalleled views on this inner journey. If you are ready, prepare your backpack and let’s embark on a journey to the most pristine corners of Turkey.
Pürenli Plateau
Description of the Area: It is a plateau located on the border of Bolu and Düzce, at a quite high altitude. Surrounded by pine forests, this area has a small lake in the middle and is completely untouched. There is no electricity or market facilities; however, there are clean water sources available. Due to the rugged terrain, it is difficult to access with regular vehicles, and a 4x4 vehicle is recommended. The ground can sometimes be soft for caravans, so caution is advised.
Pürenli Plateau offers campers an unforgettable atmosphere, especially in the autumn and spring months, with a mystical layer of fog covering it. This place is one of the rare spots where your phone hardly gets any signal, allowing you to completely disconnect from technology and keep pace with the rhythm of nature. Since there are no facilities on the plateau, it is vital to prepare all your supplies (food, drink, lighting) before you go. Because nighttime temperatures are much lower than in the city center, thick sleeping bags and thermal clothing are essential in your backpack. During your morning walks around the lake, you may encounter traces of wildlife and feel the silence of nature deep within you. Although there are plateau houses belonging to the local people nearby, it generally promises a warm and peaceful camping experience. Taking your trash back is the first rule of protecting this pristine nature.
Gideros Bay
Description of the Area: It is one of the calmest bays of the Black Sea, located in the Cide district of Kastamonu. It is right by the sea, nestled among greenery, and has a sheltered harbor structure. There are small businesses (fish restaurants) nearby, but the camping area is completely in a natural environment. Electricity needs can be requested from nearby businesses or solar panels can be used. There is a road suitable for caravan access.
Unlike the turbulent waves associated with the Black Sea, Gideros Bay is calm and peaceful like a blanket. This bay, which has been a refuge for sailors since ancient times, has both historical depth and visual beauty. You can set up your camp in the shade of trees just a few meters from the sea and immerse yourself in the cool waters with the first light of the morning. The area is quite popular among campers as the road leading down to the bay from the main road is relatively smooth. One of the most enjoyable activities you can do here is to buy fresh fish brought by local fishermen in the evening and cook them over a fire. Gideros also has a mystical atmosphere that carries traces from the Genoese. Since it is designated as a natural site, utmost care should be taken regarding environmental cleanliness and fire rules.
Delikli Bay
Description of the Area: It is a hidden bay located between İzmir-Çeşme and Alaçatı, named after the hole in the rock that the sea has eroded. It has a completely rocky and sandy structure. There are no facilities, electricity, water, or toilet options. There are suitable flat areas for campers, but the last part of the road is quite rough. It is an area open to the wind by the sea.
Delikli Bay is like stepping into a completely different world, just a few kilometers away from the luxurious and crowded beaches of Çeşme. This place is a visual miracle where the bright white limestone cliffs meet the turquoise sea, reminiscent of another planet. The absence of facilities has made it a destination only for true camping enthusiasts. The night sky is so clear that it is possible to see the Milky Way with the naked eye. However, you should ensure that your water and food supplies are sufficient when coming here. Additionally, when the wind blows strongly, you need to secure your tent well to the rocks. The natural structure of the rocks offers unique frames for photographers as they are bathed in orange and pink tones during sunset. For those who love silence and want to be one with nature, this hidden gem of the Aegean should definitely be at the top of the list.
Borçka Karagöl
Description of the Area: It is a landslide dam lake located in the Borçka district of Artvin, nestled within dense rainforests. Surrounded by giant trees, it has a humid and cool climate. There are special areas designated for camping. There is a toilet and a small buffet available, but electricity is limited. Although the road is suitable for caravans, the turns are quite sharp.
Borçka Karagöl, one of the most picturesque corners of the Eastern Black Sea, offers you a fairytale-like experience.
It gives the feeling that you are inside it. The reflections of the trees on the surface of the lake are so perfect that you may have difficulty understanding which is real and which is a reflection. This place offers a different color palette in every season; in autumn from yellow to red, and in winter it is covered in white. It is possible to camp in designated areas by the lake for campers. The forest is so dense that it creates soothing rays of light as the sun filters through. Due to the high humidity, it is recommended that your tent has good waterproofing and that you bring spare clothes with you. Since the area is under protection, it is very important not to harm nature and to only make fires in designated places. Hiking trails, nature photography, and simply looking at the lake and thinking make it hard to find a better place.Bafa Lake
Description of the Area: It is a massive lake located at the foot of the Latmos (Beşparmak) Mountains, within the borders of Aydın and Muğla. It is intertwined with the historical city of Herakleia. Camping can be done among olive trees and giant rock blocks. In some places, there are facilities (electricity, water, WC), but remote bays are completely deserted. The area around Kapıkırı village is ideal for caravanners.
Bafa Lake is not only a natural wonder but also a living museum. While camping by the lake, it is very likely that you will see the remnants of a thousand-year-old monastery or rock tomb above your head. The characteristic "gneiss" rocks of the Latmos Mountains add a mystical and somewhat wild atmosphere to the area. In the spring months, the lakeside is filled with countless varieties of flowers and turns into a paradise for bird watchers. The lake waters are shallow, and the olive trees on the shore provide natural shade for campers. In the evenings, the setting sun over the lake paints the rocks in red, making you think of prehistoric cave paintings, taking you on a mesmerizing time travel. The hospitality of the local villagers and their fresh olive oils will add flavor to your camping experience. Don't forget to bring your insect repellent, as it can be a bit lively in the evenings due to the wetland.
İnbükü Cove
Description of the Area: It is a hidden cove on the Datça road in the Marmaris district of Muğla. It is also known as the Forest Sea. It is an area where pine trees reach down to the sea, with crystal clear water. It used to be an official camping area, but now more "wild camping" is done. There is no electricity or central water. Although the access road for caravans is a bit rough, it is possible.
İnbükü Cove, which is a refuge for those wanting to escape the crowds of Marmaris, offers you the purest form of blue and green. The first thing you will see when you wake up here in the mornings will be the old green pine trees that stretch into the sea. Thanks to the cove's sheltered structure, the sea is always calm and suitable for swimming. Since it is far from city lights, the night sky offers a complete feast. Camping here means true isolation. You need to bring all your necessities with you as the nearest settlement is 20-30 minutes away by vehicle. While walking on the shore, you can observe fishing birds, and you can go on exploration trips on the trails leading into the depths of the forest. İnbükü is an indispensable route for experienced campers who want to camp for a long time and be self-sufficient. Being in a place where nature is so generous will refresh your soul.
Yenice Forests
Description of the Area: Located in the Karabük province, it is one of the most valuable areas in Europe in terms of biological diversity. It is one of Turkey's largest block forests. It has a hilly and very dense forest structure. There are various camping and hiking areas (Şekermeşe, Sorgun Plateau, etc.). In some places, drinking water and toilets are available, but there is no professional facility. There is no electricity. The roads for caravans can be narrow and unpaved in places.
The Yenice Forests are like a temple for a true nature lover with their giant trees known as "monument trees" and endless greenery. This area has been selected by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) as one of the 100 hotspots in Europe that urgently need protection. When you set up camp here, you will feel like you are in the middle of a giant green ocean. The area has marked long trails for professional hikers. The sounds coming from the depths of the forest at night are proof of how alive and wild nature is. While camping here, you should be aware of wildlife and not leave your food outside. Its humid and cool air will refresh you even on the hottest days of summer. Yenice is a perfect haven for those who want to completely disconnect from technology and just listen to the rustling of the trees. The smell of the earth and the richness of oxygen will take away all your fatigue in just a few days.
Salda Lake
Description of the Area: Located in the Yeşilova district of Burdur, it is one of the deepest and cleanest lakes in Turkey. It is known for its turquoise water and pure white magnesium-rich sands. Due to protection regulations, it is prohibited to set up tents right by the lake, but there are municipal and private camping areas within walking distance to the lake. Facilities such as electricity, water, WC, and restaurant are available. There are caravan parking areas.
Salda Lake is a natural formation that captivates people at first sight with its visual beauty, and it is a rare gem. This lake, which NASA references for its Mars studies, has a unique turquoise color due to its mineral-rich structure. The surroundings of the lake are... Staying at camping sites to watch the color changes during sunrise and sunset is an invaluable experience. Walking on the pure white sands, trying the lake mud said to be good for your skin, and swimming in the cool waters are features that make this place popular. However, this popularity threatens the delicate ecosystem; therefore, strict attention must be paid to environmental rules while camping. As you sip your tea by the lakeside in the cool breeze of the evenings, you will understand much better why this natural wonder is called "Turkey's Maldives." Come prepared; because the beauty of Salda may keep you there longer than you planned.
Aquarium Bay
Description of the Area: Located in the Bozcaada district of Çanakkale, it is one of the most famous but least developed bays of the island in terms of accommodation. It is known for its fine sandy beach and crystal-clear sea. Generally, camping is strictly prohibited on the island; therefore, instead of camping around Aquarium Bay, you should stay in the permitted areas of the island and spend the day at this bay or camp overnight in hidden spots "without leaving a trace." There are no facilities, and water and food must be brought from the center of the island. The roads are suitable for caravans.
Aquarium Bay in Bozcaada gets its name from the clarity of the water, making it possible to count the fish when viewed from outside. This place is one of the most enjoyable spots in the Aegean for those who love snorkeling. Its sheltered structure surrounded by rocks keeps the sea relatively calm even on windy island days. The absence of any facilities in the bay prevents crowds from staying here for long; this offers you great tranquility in the early hours of the morning or as the sun sets in the evening. Camping in this bay, which you reach by passing through the famous vineyards and windmills of the island (paying attention to legal regulations), will make you feel like a resident of the island. The iodine-scented breeze from the sea at night and the peaceful atmosphere of the island will help you completely clear your mind. Be sure to bring a snorkel and fins with you, as Aquarium Bay offers a much more colorful world beneath its surface.
Dedegöl Mountain
Description of the Area: Located in Isparta, it is one of the highest peaks of the Middle Taurus Mountains (2998 m). Melikler Plateau, a favorite of climbers and campers, is the main camping center. It is covered with alpine meadows and cedar forests. There is a drinking water source (spring) available, but there is no electricity or facilities. It is possible to drive a caravan up to the plateau; the road is unpaved but wide.
If camping means a bit of adventure and altitude for you, Dedegöl Mountain is waiting for you. Melikler Plateau has been chosen as one of the darkest spots in Turkey; this makes it a temple for sky watchers and astrologers. It is hard not to be overwhelmed by the star density you will see when you look up at night. During the day, the endemic plants and perhaps wild goats you encounter on your climbs towards the summit prove how generous nature is. The wide and flat structure of the plateau offers a very comfortable area for campers and tent campers. However, this is a real mountain peak; the weather can change suddenly and storms can occur. Therefore, professional camping gear and monitoring the weather conditions are essential. Dedegöl offers you not just a camping area, but also an experience that will challenge your limits and make you respect the grandeur of nature.
What Should We Do to Protect Nature and Ensure Sustainable Camping?
Camping is not only about enjoying nature but also about taking on the responsibility of leaving that nature as we found it. The "Leave No Trace" principles should be the constitution of every camper. At every point we go, we must return our trash without exception so that those who come after us can find the same beauty; if possible, we should also collect the litter left by others. Extreme care should be taken when making a fire; only previously used fire areas should be preferred, and it should be ensured that the fire is completely extinguished before leaving. To prevent pollution of water sources, non-chemical products should be used as cleaning materials. We should respect wildlife, not feed them, and observe them from a distance. Remember, we are guests in nature, and while this host offers us all its generosity, we have a duty to at least not harm it. Protecting these hidden spots is in our hands. Stay with nature, stay in peace.
