Many foreign visitors to Turkey come for the countries amazing beaches and camping on most of them is definitely an option. Of course, you’ll want to seek out smaller or more unknown beaches, preferably without any businesses offering paid camping, to avoid less-than-friendly reactions from locals. (You can always take advantage of local facilities and stay in one of these paid campsites as well.) The best beaches for wild camping are those only accessible on foot, or with roads in very poor condition that are veritably void of vehicle traffic, however some of these beaches might not have a source of drinking water, so come prepared.
Turkey’s traditional shepherding culture has also provided the country with an endless list of higher altitude campsites. Most shepherds here move their herds up to greener pastures in summer. With their flat, grassy ground, sources of clean water, and frequent mountain views, these pastures make for perfect summer camping and are found across the country, from the Aegean to the Mediterranean to the Black Sea.
If you’re in a pinch, you can also set up a tent for the night near the road-side fountains that dot the country (lesser traveled roads preferred, of course). As populations move out villages and into urban areas, many village primary schools have been closed although their buildings still remain. Camping in the school grounds is other option; just make sure to ask the locals first. Mosques are also a good option, and always safe.
Please note that you should never camp near an ancient city or any ruins (unless extremely remote) as you are almost sure to be mistaken for a treasure hunter and have to explain yourself to police in the middle of the night.
We should also mention that since coastal Turkey sees many more tourists than the central and eastern parts of the country, the residents there will also be more accustomed to campers. In central and eastern Turkey, especially in areas without any touristic sites, you might be subjected to more strange looks and questions than you’re used to. If you’re traveling outside a touristic area, you might feel more comfortable camping just outside of the local mosque.
Thanks for this post. We are planning a camping trip to Turkey. We’ve been to Turkey before visiting Cappadocia, the Lycian Coast, Tethiye and Istanbul. Would love to go back – any recommendations?
This info was very useful. I’m planning to travel by mountain bike from England to Turkey and thinking of camping 3 to 6 months, my goal is to make it to Mongolia,
China.