Sahilköy, Şile, Istanbul

Starting out at a campsite with amenities if you’re new to tent camping is a good approach to gain a feel for the pastime. Sahil Kamp Istanbul, located on Istanbul’s northern Black Sea coast, is an excellent spot to begin. The campsite is accessible via bus (line 139S) from Üsküdar, which departs three times a day and stops at Sahilköy – one of the Istanbul camping sites, or by driving and parking your car at the campsite parking lot. You can hire a tent or a hut if you don’t have your own. You’ll want to take a plunge in the Black Sea or relax on the beach after setting up camp and strung your hammock between the pine trees.

Sultanpınar Plateau, Bolu

On the Bolu-Sakarya border, Sultanpnar Yaylas is arguably my favourite plateau in the region. A rural settlement can be found on this plateau. On our first journey to Sultanpnar – one of the best camping places in Istanbul, we had some car difficulty, and approximately a half-dozen villagers gave us tea and assistance, with one even asking us to stay the night at his house. We were the only campers there that weekend, and we set up our tents across the pond from the settlement. Because there are no authorized camping places, you are free to pitch your tent wherever you like. Please be aware that there are no restrooms available.

5 Days Turkey Tour – Istanbul Antalya Tour

Sülüklügöl, Bolu

Sülüklügöl Campsite in Bolu region is the place to go if you want to delve deep into the woods. After paying a small entrance charge, you can pitch your tent next to Leach Lake, which is tucked between lush, densely forested hills. The symphony of frogs will most likely be the first sound you hear. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many frogs in one location as I did at Sülüklügöl – one of the best camping places in Istanbul. There are 406 plant species in the area, with 38 of them being indigenous.

Soğucak Plateau, Sakarya

The Soucak Yaylas (or plateau, in English) is ideal for families with children. This vast, green plateau is located atop a peak in Sakarya province’s Samanl mountain range. Though Google maps may indicate two roads, pick the one that travels through Ilmiye; the other is a logger’s road that is not suitable for passenger vehicles. You can pitch a tent wherever, but after you emerge from the trees, I recommend driving across the plateau, as there are several outhouses along the forest line on that side.