If You’re Tired of the City, Head Out Camping in Turkey’s Marmara Region
If you’re feeling the urge to escape the city, why not grab a tent and a sleeping bag and head to some of the Marmara region’s most impressive plateaus and lakes this weekend?
For those of us who grew up outside the city, summer can feel particularly claustrophobic in Istanbul. The good news is that within just a few hours’ drive, you’ll find beautiful, untouched nature spots just waiting to be explored.
For a true nature retreat on your weekend getaway, we recommend an adventure camping under the stars. Whether you’re a camping novice or a seasoned pro, Turkey has some fantastic spots you’ll love, all within a three-hour drive from Istanbul.
To reach most of these areas, you’ll need a car. If you’re renting, we recommend choosing a vehicle with higher ground clearance to navigate mountain roads more comfortably. For first-time visitors, it’s best to travel during daylight to avoid rough terrain and keep on course.
Finally, please remember to leave no trace. These locations offer city dwellers a refreshing escape because they remain clean and undisturbed. Dispose of all waste in trash containers and respect the local flora and fauna.
Sahilköy, Şile, Istanbul
Perks: Bathroom and shower facilities, access to the Black Sea beach, on-site restaurant, tent and bungalow rentals, accessible by bus.
If you’re new to camping, starting with a campsite offering amenities is a great way to try out the activity. Sahil Kamp Istanbul, located on Istanbul’s northern Black Sea coast, is the perfect place to start. The campsite is accessible by bus (line 139S) which runs three times daily from Üsküdar to Sahilköy, or you can drive and park in the campsite’s lot. If you don’t have a tent, rentals for tents and bungalows are available. After setting up camp and hanging your hammock between the pines, you’ll want to take a dip in the Black Sea or relax on the beach. This campground provides plenty of entertainment to help you unplug from the urban jungle.
Sülüklü Lake, Bolu
Perks: Toilets, trash containers, check-in office, firewood for sale.
For those wanting to immerse themselves in the forest, camping at Sülüklü Lake in Bolu Province is ideal. After paying a small entrance fee, you can set up camp by the scenic Leach Lake, surrounded by green, wooded hills.
The first thing you’ll likely notice is the chorus of frogs. I’ve never seen so many frogs in one spot as I have at Sülüklü Lake! The area is home to 406 different plant species, including 38 endemic species. There are several hiking trails around the lake and into the woods. Don’t forget to bring insect repellent as mosquitoes can be a nuisance.
The weekend we spent at Sülüklü Lake was rainy, which only enhanced the fresh earthy aromas and created a misty layer over the lake. While some places may look less appealing in rainy weather, Sülüklü Lake is not one of them.
Soğucak Plateau, Sakarya
Perks: Free, family-friendly location.
Soğucak Yaylası (or plateau, in English) is ideal for families with kids. This grassy plateau atop a peak in Sakarya’s Samanlı Mountains is perfect for camping. Google Maps may show two routes; be sure to take the road through Ilmiye, as the other is a logging road not suitable for standard vehicles. You can set up a tent anywhere, but we recommend driving through the plateau to the edge of the forest, where some outhouses are available.
The tall grass makes a soft bed and a fantastic play area for football or frisbee. It’s also ideal for stargazing. Lay down a blanket, lie back, and watch the earth rotate under a starry sky.
If you’re into hiking, take the 5 km (3 miles) walk to the Doğansivri fire tower. On a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of both Lake Sapanca and the Black Sea in the distance.
Remember to bring sunscreen if you have fair skin, as UV exposure increases at higher altitudes. Once you’re back on the mountain, we suggest a refreshing swim in Lake Sapanca at Harmanlık.
Sultanpınar Plateau, Bolu
Perks: Free, nearby villagers in case of emergency, suitable for leisurely hikes.
Sultanpınar Yaylası on the Bolu-Sakarya border is perhaps our favorite plateau in the region. This plateau is home to a rustic village. During our first visit, we had car trouble, and a group of villagers kindly offered us tea and assistance. One even insisted we stay in his home overnight. We were the only campers that weekend, pitching our tents across from the village pond. There are no designated camping areas, so set up your tent wherever you like. Note that there are no bathroom facilities.
If you have time to explore, the area is dotted with several plateaus, bordered by mixed forests, grassy fields, and streams. You can hike between some of the plateaus, but be sure to have a fully charged phone for GPS in case you wander too far from camp.
Mount Uludağ, Bursa
Perks: Free, complete solitude, mosquito-free.
Mount Uludağ, the highest point in the Marmara region at 2,543 meters (8,343 feet), is a destination recommended only for experienced campers due to its isolation and exposure to the elements. Three lakes—Kilimli, Karagöl, and Aynalı—rest near the summit. Simply enter “Karagöl Uludağ” on Google Maps for directions. A dirt road leads to the edge of Karagöl, where you can set up camp. We parked nearby and carried our supplies over the ridge to Aynalı Lake. This lake lies in a depression surrounded by rocky ridges and cliffs.
If you’ve never camped above the treeline, the silence is extraordinary, though a bit eerie if you’re used to the sounds of birds or frogs while camping. Fortunately, there’s no need to worry about mosquitoes or flies, as the altitude is too high for flying insects. The nights are chilly, so bring warm clothing. Also, bring firewood as there’s none above the treeline. Sunscreen is essential here.
During our stay, two giant Akbaş shepherd dogs visited us, guarding a flock of sheep and goats. They were friendly enough, but remember that herding dogs are not pets, so keep a respectful distance.
If you’re up for a strenuous hike, you can trek from the lakes to the summit in about an hour over rocky terrain, so be sure to have sturdy shoes and plenty of water.
Dailysabah