Around the Aegean and MediterraneanCoast, Central and Eastern Anatolia and the Black Sea Coast
Margaret & Barry Williamson, with additional sites and information from other Motorhoming Travellers
Updated March 2014
The campsites described below are listed in sequence following our journey through Turkey in the spring of 2008. For a detailed and illustrated travel-log of this journey, click:Turkey 2008. A few amendments were made after our journey along the Aegean coast to Kusadasi in December 2010/January 2011.
In March 2014 additional information and comments were provided by Tina and Peter Goodall Evetts who made a motorhome tour of western Turkey in the summer of 2013. Their comments are marked by: 'TPGE 2013'.
In 2008 we travelled anticlockwise from Istanbul, along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts to the Syrian border, then north via Nemrut Dagi (Mount Nimrod) into the heart of Turkey, returning along the Black Sea coast.
The list has been developed from our own experience and the Dutch ACSI guide, and we also thank the following travellers for their contribution.
In the spring of 2011, Rose & Alf Walshaw made a 6-week journey through Southern and Eastern Turkey, adding much useful information and additional campsites to this list. For this, and much else, we thank them very much.
We also thank fellow motorhomers, Malcolm G Hill and Phil Letts as well as the President of the Turkish Caravan & Camping Club, Koray Tezcan, for their help. Ed McKinney also wrote of his experience of Dalyan Camping and the horrendous campsite in Edirne. With Bon and their 4-year-old son James, Ed was en route to Cape Town from the UK in their Land Rover
The price given, where known, is for 2 adults and a motorhome, electricity included. Sometimes a small discount was given for the Camping Card International. Exchange rate at the time of writing is €1=2 YTL (New Turkish Lire).
TPGE 2013 = additional information and comments provided by Tina and Peter Goodall Evetts who made a motorhome tour of western Turkey in the summer of 2013
Istanbul: Ataköy Camping, Sahil Yolu, Bakirköy, Istanbul
By the Sea of Marmara
Email:
(+90) (0)212-6615526 (+90) (0)212-5605807
WARNING: When met in April 2008, the President of the Turkish Camping & Caravanning Club reported this site now Closed Down - and so it is.
Istanbul: Londra Camping Otel, Bakirkoy, D-100 Guney Yanyolu, 34156 Atakoy 7-10 kisim, Istanbul
(+90) (0)212-4658247
Off D100 in the Airport Area
WARNING: When met in April 2008, the President of the Turkish Camping & Caravanning Club reported this Site about to close down and become a hotel. It now appears to have reopened for TIR Parking.
Istanbul: In July 2009, John & Jennie Briden described a car park on the Fisherman's Quay where motorhomers could spend a safe night for a small payment. This is very well placed for a 15 minute walk to the Blue Mosque and all the delights of old Istanbul. Read full details at: Camping In and Near Istanbul.
In July 2011, Phil Letts wrote: 'Classic, secure van stop on edge of sea by Sultanahmet Mosque area. Primitive toilet/water -no hook-up.'
Erdek across the bay from Istanbul
TPGE 2013 write:
"Camping ANT, Düzler mevkii Erdek /
Balıkesir 10500 - TURKEY Mobile : +90 533 6969044.email : Mail : P.K.15 Erdek 10501 TURKEY www.campingant.com
Price mid/late July 2013: €12 per
night including electricity and showers. There is a washing machine and small
kitchen on site. The toilet/shower block is as clean if not cleaner than in any
house and even includes a small lower sink for children. Bottles of hand soap are
on every sink as a finishing touch. There is fresh bread from the baker across
the road daily and opposite the camp a bus runs into the small town of Erdek.
We were greeted by the most
helpful site owner we've ever encountered. Ahmet speaks fluent English and has
a wonderful sense of humour. He showed us round the site which is set amongst
trees and is right on the beach front (through a private gate and you are on
the beach).
We asked Ahmet how to get to
Istanbul which turned out to be very easy: he arranged the bus for us and was
waiting at the gate in the morning to speak to the driver but more amazing he
was at the bus stop (outside the camp gate) when we arrived back at 11pm even
though he didn't know what time we were going to return. As it was very dark,
we were pleased to see him and his torch. Nothing was too much trouble for this
man and I wouldn't hesitate to reccomend Camping Ant to anyone."
*Gallipoli Peninsula: Kum Hotel & Camping, Kabatepe, Eceabat
At Kum Limani beach, 4 miles south of Kabatepe on the west coast of the peninsula.
General Info: Adjoins a hotel, restaurant and swimming pool complex. Well placed for visiting the battlefields. Basic facilities with hot showers but no laundry.
In July 2011, Phil Letts wrote: 'Good with all basic facilities clean and beach 50m away. Wifi.'
About 32 km south of Canakkale, turn west off E87 signed for Ancient Troy. Site 4 km along on right.
General Info: Small campsite (and 4 rooms to rent) adjoining a cafe/souvenir shop. Near the entrance to Ancient Troy (the English-speaking campsite owner is an Official Guide). Basic facilities with hot shower and free WiFi. Washing machine (€5).
In July 2011, Phil Letts wrote: 'Small but clean and pleasant Pension/campsite almost next to Archeological site. Wifi.'
Number of touring pitches: 20 Total area (in hectares): 1.2
(+90) (0)266-4261310 (+90) (0)266-4261418
Burhaniye: Altin Camp & Park Motel, Oren, Burhaniye
Open in summer from as early as April.
In Burhaniye turn towards the coast, following signs for Altin Camp/Park Motel, for 2 miles to seaside village of Oren.
(+90) (0)266-4163732
Melahat Altin, the manager of this family business wrote in July 2011 that the campsite is generally open in April and it admits visitors from all over the world. He manages a friendly, relaxing and beautiful family place as usual, and he would be very happy to welcome all travellers to stay on the campsite.
In July 2011, Phil Letts wrote: 'South of Edremit, 1 km west of E87. Beachside camp with clean facilities. Signed from centre. Wifi.'
Ayvalik: Camlik Camping, Ayvalik
*Bergama: Caravan Restaurant & Camping, Izmir Yolu Uzeri, 35700 Bergama
Opening period: All year
Price: €15.00 (2010)
Number of touring pitches: 35 Total area (in hectares): 10
Email:
(+90) (0)232-6333902 Fax: (+90) (0)232-633 1792
From E87 Canakkale-Izmir, take exit Bergama. The camp site is located on the left of the road, approx 2 km before the centre, behind the Caravan Restaurant.
General info: Good facilities with hot showers, free WiFi, washing machine (€4 inc powder) and swimming pool. Restaurant often has good lunchtime buffet meals (€5 per head).
TPGE 2013 write: "Address as given. Price at May 2013: €15 per night
including electricity. Showers clean but with low water outage. Washing machine
free, lines in several places round site to hang out. This is a very pleasant
quiet site, the only down side was the pool, the area around it and the
restaurant tables which were all constantly being bombarded with bird poo from
the swallows/swifts that had nests there - but this could possibly be just
seasonal."
Izmir: Oba Mocamp, Mithatpasa Cad, Guzelbahce, Izmir
From Selcuk drive towards Kusadasi, but at the junction with traffic lights drive straight ahead to the coast for Pamucak. Then follow the sign; turn left, approx 50 metres before the beach.
General info: Restaurant and shop.
In July 2011, Phil Letts wrote: 'Just down the road from Ephesus. Lovely beach site, clean. Wifi.
Rose Walshaw wrote in the spring of 2011: VERY good restaurant frequented by local Greek people and renowned by all Turkish campers. In Summer there is bad noise at night from the entertainment in the Hotel next door- but it does stop at midnight.'
TPGE 2013 write: "Price at May 2013: €15 per night
including electricity. Showers clean but with low water outage. Washing machine
free, lines in several places round site to hang out. This is a very pleasant
quiet site, the only down side was the pool, the area around it and the
restaurant tables which were all constantly being bombarded with bird poo from
the swallows/swifts that had nests there - but this could possibly be just
seasonal."
Number of touring pitches: 70 Total area (in hectares): 2
Email:
(+90) (0)256-6181516 (+90) (0)256-6181560
Coming from the north, the camp site is located on the left of the waterfront boulevard, 1 km before the centre, opposite the yacht marina, just before Camping Onder.
General info: Basic facilities (no hot water if the sun doesn't shine!) Small pitches. Does have a restaurant, swimming pool and washing machines.
Coming from the north, the camp site is located on the left of the waterfront boulevard, 1 km before the centre, opposite an Opet petrol station, next to Camping Yat.
General info: Basic facilities (no hot water if the sun doesn't shine!) Does have a restaurant, swimming pool and washing machines. Marginally better with more space than its neighbour, Camping Yat. It was open in January 2011 but there was no hot water and no potable water.
*Seljuk: Garden Motel & Camping, Isabey Mahallesi Alti no 4, Seljuk
Opening period: All year
Price: From €18.00 (2011)
Number of touring pitches: 100 Total area (in hectares): 1.2
Coming into Seljuk from Kusadasi/Ephesus direction, look for left turn signed 'Isa Bey Mosque', before you reach the Museum. At the mosque, keep straight on following signs for a short distance to the campsite.
Coming into Seljuk from Izmir motorway, the first right turn signed 'Isa Bey Mosque' is a narrower busier road, past the Basilica of St John. Better to continue to the traffic lights, turn right for Kusadasi/Ephesus, past the Museum, and then turn immediately right for the mosque, as above.
General info: A large flat grassy site with tall shady trees. Good facilities, including washing machine (€5.00) and outdoor pool and sports. Restaurant and carpet factory/sales open in summer. Easy walk to city centre (less than half a mile): Isa Bey Mosque, St John's tomb, Temple of Artemis, Museum, pedestrianised shopping. Ancient Ephesus (Roman capital of Asia Minor) less than 2 miles away. A much better site than those at Kusadasi, though more expensive.
WARNING: Our second visit, for one night in January 2011, was a dreadful experience. No hot water, no potable water and considerable argument over the unreasonably high price demanded by the unhelpful Italian owners (who speak only Italian or Turkish).
Number of touring pitches: 40 Total area (in hectares): 5
(+90) (0)536-3657006
The camp site is located on road 525 from Milas to Söke, at the Bafa-Gölü Lake.
Bodrum: Zetas Camping, Gümbet, Mahallesi Etem Kaptan 10, 48400 Bodrum/Gümbet
Opening period: All year
Price: €12.00 - €14.00
Number of touring pitches: 80 Total area (in hectares): 1.2
Email: ,
(+90) (0)252-3161407 (+90) (0)252-3165741
Bypass Bodrum resort, past the Roman theatre and over a hill topped with a windmill, to Gumbet, the bay just west of town.
General info: We stayed there in 1997, when it was Bodrum's only campsite and rather unkempt. It may have improved. 'Lonely Planet' says there are several campsites on the northern side of Bodrum peninsula.
TPGE 2013 write: "Price in May 2013 €14 per night
included electricity. The site is very run down and grubby and very very very
noisy. At the end of May 2013 they were playing loud (and I mean very loud)
music until 4am so we stayed just the one night and left."
Akyaka on Gökova Bay: Picnic & Camping
Opening period: All year
Price: €12.50 (2011)
(+90) (0)252-2434398
Coming south from Mugla on the Sakar Pass (road 550), just before the junction with road 400 to Marmaris, turn right (sharply downhill) for 3 miles to the village of Akyaka on Gökova Bay. About half a mile beyond the village there is a municipal picnic and camping site with very basic facilities.
Rose Walshaw adds: 'You turn left down a road signed for Apple Resort. Then when you meet the guard say “camping”- he will direct you up a road to the right.'
Rose Walshaw wrote in the spring of 2011: 'We paid €12.50 for the dirtiest, most disgusting campsite we have ever stayed on. Toilets and showers so filthy they were unusable. But if you do have to come here, the restaurant (good, if pricey) lets you use their toilets and opens early in the morning. Also the night we stayed here there was a tremendous lot of noise from other young campers coming home from the night clubs- all night. Also dogs barking all night.'
*Köycegiz: Camping Köycegiz, Lake Köycegiz
Opening period: All year.
Price: €5.00 (2008)
From the main Mugla-Fethiye road, take either of the two right turns signed 'Köycegiz', through the village to the large lake. Turn right, along the lake, on the Ekincik road, and the municipal picnic/campground is on the right after about a mile.
(+90) (0)252-2624090
General info: A simple campground with basic facilities, including hook-ups, potable water and solar-heated showers. Popular picnic site and bar. Residents include ducks, chickens, peacocks, turkeys … Excellent position by the lake (boat tours in summer). Easy walk to the village, with several waterside restaurants (and cafes with wireless internet).
WARNING: In the spring of 2011, Rose Walshaw found this site closed.
*Dalyan: Dalyan Camping, Maras Cad 144, Dalyan
Opening period: March to December
Price: €12.50 (2011)
From road 400 (between Köycegiz and Dalaman exits) turn off at Ortaca for 8 miles to Dalyan. Go through the town, then look out for a sign to the camping, just off to the right, on the river bank.
(+90) (0)252-2844157
General info: A small campsite with simple facilities, hook-ups and solar showers. Washing machine (€2.50). Wooden cabins to rent. Café/bar with superb view of the Lycian rock tombs on the opposite bank of the Dalyan River. Landing stage for boat trips.
In 2011, Ed McKinney wrote of his experience of Dalyan Camping. With Bon and their 4-year-old son James, they were en route to Cape Town from the UK in their Land Rover: "Unfortunately it's now next to a 'dance club' that starts extremely loud thumping music at 11 pm and continues through to the morning call to prayer. We stayed 2 nights, had planned to stay 3 but couldn't face another completely sleepless night - the noisiest place we stayed in a journey of over a year.”
In the spring of 2011, Rose Walshaw wrote: 'Yes – we agree about the night club, though it wasn't quite so loud for us as we slept in the car park for the site due to the site proper being flooded. But the whole site had a dilapidated, dirty, uncared for feel.
But… If you carry on through Dalyan on the road for the estuary and Isutzu beach, there is another campsite 6 km further out which looks more salubrious.'
In July 2011, Phil Letts wrote: '6 km east of Dalyan on road to Iztuzu. Lovely restaurant site within 4 km of beach. Clean facilities and cheap food.'
Oludeniz/Fethiye: The Sugar Beach Club & Camp, Oludeniz Caddesi, 48300 Oludeniz/Fethiye
Opening period: All year
Price: €10 (2011)
Number of touring pitches: 50 Total area (in hectares): 10
Email: ,
(+90) (0)252-6170048 (+90) (0)252-6170752
General info: 15 permanent annual pitches, bungalows, beach bar and café.
WARNING: Rose Walshaw wrote in the Spring of 2011: 'We didn't stay due to the lagoon looking very mosquitoey.'
In July 2011, Phil Letts wrote: 'Good beach site, 15 minute walking distance west of town.'
TPGE 2013 write: "Price June 2013 €12 per night. For
the first time in all our trips to Turkey we were greeted by a rude
receptionist who gave us the impression she wasn't bothered if we were there or
not. Site was a bit scruffy and ground full of pine needles (not their fault)
but this meant that walking around was a bit painful. Sea full of rocks and no
bus to town.
So, the next morning we moved to
the site next door which had been recommended to us by Phil from Hamish McTurk."
Oludeniz/Fethiye
Camping Sea Horse
TPGE 2013 write:
"www.seahorsebeachclub.comWhat a difference (from Sugar Beach)! Very good English is spoken
by the receptionist and in the restaurant. The site would probably hold 6/8
outfits but as we were the only ones there most of the time apart from a few
tents it it's hard to tell. They are just starting up, so not many people know
about them yet.
Price €16 per night including
electricity and showers. This is a clean field just inside the gates of well-maintained
gardens, a restaurant and access to private beach. The water is clear of rocks
and safe to swim in, overlooking the Babadag
mountains. We paid €5 for 2 sunbeds and parasol for a whole day. Sunbeds and parasol
were free from 9-11am and after 1pm.
There is a laundry service: wash and ironed €5
per large bag and returned to your van. Fresh bread can be bought from the
kitchen daily. WiFi is free and there is a bus into Olodeniz and Hisaronu."
Gemiler: Municipal Camp Site
In the spring of 2011, Rose Walshaw wrote: '8 km after the deserted Greek village of Kaya Koyu. A sloping site overlooking the island of Aya Nikola and its wonderful ruins.
Price: €5 (2011) - no electricity.
If you use the beach bar to the left (much cheaper than the others, as this is municipally run too) you can use their very clean toilets. Showers on the beach.'
Number of touring pitches: 5 Total area (in hectares): 0.5 Altitude: 300 m
Email:
(+90) (0)258-2722090 (+90) (0)258-2723082
On the left, just off the road coming from Denizli.
General info: A small area for campervans or motorhomes (with electric and water available) at a friendly guesthouse in Pamukkale village. Outdoor pool. Meals available to order. Very convenient (walking distance) for the Travertines and Ancient Hierapolis. En-suite double rooms cost €25.00 a night, including 2 breakfasts.
In July 2011, Phil Letts wrote: 'Just down the road from Ephesus. Lovely beach site, clean. Wifi.'
Denizli: Termotes Camping & Motel, Denizli
At the motel on the 320/E87 Aydin-Nazilli-Denizli road.
(+90) (0)258-2714066
Egidir (269 km East of Pamukkale on Lake Egidir)
In the spring of 2011, Rose Walshaw wrote: 'Campsite is on the lake 1 km before Egidir proper, surrounded by holiday home apartment blocks. It wasn't open when we were there in May 2011 but they let us stay for €5 for the night with the use of public toilets. A Swiss van who arrived after us paid €10 but got a key to a clean, private toilet and shower.'
Beysahir Ada Camp
In the spring of 2011, Rose Walshaw wrote: 'On the South-east end of Lake Beysahir 240 km east of Egadir (taking the scenic route round the west of the lake). As you approach Beysahir from the South-west you pass 3 restaurants with campsites on the last 15 km of road. We chose Ada Camp and restaurant 8 km SW of Beysahir. Price: €10 in 2011 with electricity.
A level campsite with wooden shelters with benches and tables inside for cooking, eating or chatting to new friends. Clean toilets and showers.
Wonderful cheap restaurant, very popular with local Turks.'
TPGE 2013 write: "Price same as 2011: €10 per night
in June 2013. The owner is very friendly with
good English. He came out to stop the bus for us and to tell the bus driver
where we wanted to go and to ask him to point out where we had to wait to get
bus back."
Goreme in Cappadocia
In the spring of 2011, Rose Walshaw wrote: 'In Goreme we found 3 camp sites. One (overlooking Rose Valley) was €18 a night; the other, Panorama, was a little way out of Goreme, €15 a night.
We chose Nirvana camp site and pension, which is in the centre of Goreme.
Price: €10 a night with electricity. Open all year. Laundry done for €5 a load
Price mid July 2013: €16 per
night. It's on a hill above the town with fantastic views and it has a small pool. The owner spoke excellent English
and very helpful with getting us a private van and driver to show us the sites
for the day and also helped us plot a route and recommended campsites we could
use on the way. I got up at 6am one morning to
watch and take pictures of the dozens and dozens of hot air balloons taking off
to see the sunrise: spectacular!"
Selime:Piri Pension and Camping
In the spring of 2011, Rose Walshaw wrote: The campsite is about 15 km (?) east of Aksaray at the northern end of the Ihlara valley.
On the left of the road as you come through Selime, just before the bridge over the river. Up a bumpy track and into the garden of the Pension through some very narrow gates. Wonderfully quiet and secluded small garden surrounded by ancient cave dwellings and nestling under the Cave Cathedral.
Price: €10 a night with use of one of the Pension rooms for toilet, shower, and electric sockets.
If you are a wider outfit, there is another Pension and Camping in Selime, just 20m further on by the river.'
Kas: Kas Camping
In the spring of 2011, Rose Walshaw wrote: 'Kas camping is 500m from the centre of Kas. Drive down the main road of Kas, then at the port turn right for 500m. The campsite is on your left.
Price: €12.50 a night with electricity.
General info: A well run small site (somewhat swamped by occasional groups of campers. 22 Dutch camper vans filled this site) with a restaurant and swimming platforms. (Hardly any beaches in this area) An easy walk into Kas town.'
TPGE 2013 write: "Price early July 2013: €16 per
night including electricity. Small restaurant on the site and showers, sunbeds
and parasols are free. It's very quiet and some pitches have fantastic views. A
metal ladder takes you directly directly into the sea."
Cirali: Cirali Camping
In the spring of 2011, Rose Walshaw wrote: 'Cirali is about 40 km south-west of Antalya or 38 km north of Kumluca. Turn off the D400 and follow the winding road down to Cirali (about 6 km). When you get to the village drive through, bearing right. Drive along the beach side road (wild camping is allowed on this beach but there are no facilities (water toilets etc), right to the end. There are many Pensions, most of which offer camping in their gardens. We chose the last one, called Cirali camping (N3625.234' E3028.958).
Price €5 a night with electricity, clean toilets and hot showers.
A very friendly site where you are living with the Turkish family here on site. Just off the pebbly beach and the nearest place to visit the Chimaera from(or Yanatas as it is called locally) where gas comes out of the ground and self ignites.'
*Manavgat: Bey Pet MoCamp, Manavgat, Antalya
Opening period: All year
Price: €5.00 (2008)
On left of dual carriageway D400 from Antalya, 10 miles before Manavgat. The campsite is not signed, but is just behind the Bey Pet services (restaurant, shop and petrol station). Travelling east, turn left at a junction just before Bey Pet (crossing the dual carriageway) and use the side road to access the petrol station.
General info: A large picnic/camping site with pool, generous well-marked pitches but sadly neglected since our last visit. Basic facilities and hook-ups. Road noise. Pay at the petrol station.
Kizilot: Osay Camping, Kizilot, Manavgat
On the coast between Antalya and Alanya, 9 miles east of Manavgat, just off the D400.
(+90) (0)242 7482878
General info: By the beach, with easier access lane than Nostalgie (see below). No-one there to ask in April 2008. Couldn't see any electrical hook ups.
Kizilot: Nostalgie Beach, Kizilot, Manavgat
Opening period: All year
On the coast between Antalya and Alanya, 10 miles east of Manavgat on D400, just east of turn for Konya.
General info: Very small Swiss-run campsite by the beach, with narrow access lane. Too tight for larger motorhomes/caravans – park on the main road and check.
Alanya: Perle Camping, Alanya
Opening period: All year
Price: €8.50 - €12.00
On the coast 10 miles east of Alanya, before Gazipasa, on D400.
(+90) (0)242 5262066
General info: A small noisy campsite by the beach, crowded with German-speakers on our previous visit. Buses to Alanya.
*Alanya: Sedre Camping, Demirtas, Alanya
Opening period: All year
Price: (2008) €5.00 winter (1 Nov to 30 April); €10.00 (1 May to 31 Oct)
On the coast 13 miles east of Alanya, before Gazipasa, on D400.
General info: A new well-run campsite right by the beach with very good modern facilities. Excellent restaurant, mini-market, washing machine (€2.50) and free wireless internet. Buses to Alanya every 15 minutes. The President of the Turkish Caravan & Camping Club spent the winter here and was our helpful neighbour!
WARNING: After a change of management, Sedre Camping may no longer be open - check! Rose Walshaw found it closed in the spring of 2011.
*Anamur: Dragon Restaurant/Mocamp
Opening period: All year
Price: €12.00 (2011)
4 miles east of Anamur, before Camping Paradies (see below).
(+90) (0)324-8271355
General info: Small site with very basic facilities between restaurant and beach. Short walk to Mamure Castle.
In the spring of 2011, Rose Walshaw wrote: 'Lovely family owned site. Good home cooked food in restaurant. Family will lend electric extension if you want to camp nearer the beach, and also barbeque to cook on. Very helpful. Some road noise from the D400, as have all the campsites along this road.'
Anamur: Yali Hotel & Mocamp, 33640 Siteler-Iskele, Anamur
Opening period: All year
Price: €8.00
Number of touring pitches: 30 Total area (in hectares): 3
In the town near the sea-front. Bungalows to rent.
(+90) (0)324-8141435 (+90) (0)324-8143474
Anamur: Camping Paradies, Anamur
4 miles east of Anamur, just before the castle, between coast road and beach.
General info: Basic facilities. Closed when we passed in May 2008.
In the spring of 2011, Rose Walshaw wrote: 'Open May 2011 but people who were staying there were moving onto Dragon Camp next door, as they said Paradies was so run down.'
Anamur: Pullu Forest Camping, Anamur
Opening period: All year (In the spring of 2011, Rose Walshaw wrote: 'In May 2011 they were only just getting it ready for guests and nothing was up and running yet. Maybe it had had a change of ownership.')
Price: €7.50
About 5 miles east of the town (and a mile or so east of Mamure Castle).
General info: A well-run campsite right by the pebble beach, with good facilities and a fish restaurant. Laundry done for €5 per load. Free use of wireless internet. Tasucu is the port for the city of Silifke, with vehicle ferries crossing from here to Girne (Kyrenia) in Northern Cyprus.
In the spring of 2011, Rose Walshaw wrote: 'A lot of road noise, due to being close to the busy D400 where most of the heavy traffic travels at night. The restaurant was expensive and mediocre and the laundry was €10 per load but it did come back dry and folded'.
Kizkalesi: Club Kervan Mocamp, Kizkalesi
Opening period: All year
Price: €10.00
On right of coast road D400, 1 mile east of small resort of Kizkalesi (16 miles east of Silifke). Look for the sign and entrance at an Opet fuel station.
General info: Campsite covers a large area behind the fuel station, down to the sandy beach, with a view of the castle. Static caravans. Very few level places for tourers. Basic facilities.
*Kahta: Zeus Hotel & Camping, Mustafa Kemal Cad, Kahta, Adiyaman
Opening period: All year
Price: €12.50 (2008)
A large modern hotel on right of main road from Adiyaman, half a mile before Kahta town centre. Turn right into main entrance.
General info: Camping area on gravel car park behind the 3-star hotel, screened from road by tall buildings. Electric hook-ups and fresh water, with a small new toilet/shower block for campers. Hotel has restaurant/bar, outdoor pool and garden, WiFi internet and English-speaking manager. Day trips to Mt Nemrut National Park (30 miles away) in hotel mini-bus. Laundry by arrangement.
Kahta: Kommagene Hotel & Camping, Mustafa Kemal Cad, Kahta, Adiyaman
Opening period: All year
Price: €7.50
A smaller hotel on left of main road from Adiyaman, just past Hotel Zeus, less than half a mile before Kahta town centre. Turn left into car park.
(+90) (0)416-7259726
General info: Camping area on gravel car park at side of hotel, facing the road. Electric hook-ups and fresh water, with a small toilet/shower cabin for campers. Restaurant and English-speaking manager. Day trips to Mt Nemrut National Park (30 miles away) in hotel mini-bus.
Note: We found no campsites to the south or east of Kahta (for example, in Sanliurfa or Diyarbakir), nor on our route north via Erzurum and Artvin (with the possible exception of Yusufeli – see below) and none on the coast between Hopa and Trabzon! We overnighted mostly on petrol station forecourts, plus an occasional restaurant car park, and were always welcomed – often with glasses of tea. We would buy fuel or a meal to say thank you.
Karadut: Four Simple Hotels/Camping
In the spring of 2011, Rose Walshaw wrote: 'Within the national park, on the road down from the summit of Mt Nemrut to Karadut are 4 simple hotels with camping in their gardens. They are called the Cesme, Kervansaray, Euphrat and Karadut pension..
We stayed at the Karadut Pension which is on the very northern outskirts of Karadut village.
Price in 2011 was €5 a night with electricity.
Clean toilets and showers.Restaurant gave us a very good meal- set menu, no choice for €5 each.
Also within the National Park on the road going up to the summit from Damlacik you can stay in the car park of the restaurant next to Arsemeia.'
Hassankeyf: Yildiz Camping, and Hasbace Pension and Camping
In the spring of 2011, Rose Walshaw wrote: 'Hassankeyf is 40 km south of Batman and 40 km north of Midyat.
3 km out on the road to Batman is Yildiz Camping. In 2011 they wanted €15 for a night, with no electricity, one dirty toilet and a cold shower only. So we carried on to the village of Hassankeyf.Hasbace Pension and Camping- our favourite place in Turkey.
If coming from Batman, turn left just over the bridge; if coming from Midyat, turn right just before the bridge. Along the village road for about 100m and under the arch into the Pension car park.
Price €10 a night with electricity.
General Info: Only 2 toilets and showers but they are clean. Beautiful garden campsite overlooking the Tigris river and ancient cave dwellings in the banks of the river. Also 2 pairs of nesting golden orioles in the trees in the garden. The restaurant is a trout restaurant with a pool of live trout swimming around ready for you to choose one!'
Erzincan:
In the spring of 2011, Rose Walshaw wrote: '30 km west on the E80 road we found a campsite by the river. We were so relieved after a LONG day's drive. BUT the campsite was flooded! The owner told us he is usually open and charges €10 a night. He also told us there is a campsite in the middle of Erzincan … but we never found it.'
Tunceli Gorge:
In the spring of 2011, Rose Walshaw wrote: 'Route 885 from the E80, a right turn (south) 36 km after Erzincan. This is a beautiful gorge road with 22 tunnels. There are no campsites but 10 km after the turn-off there is a fish restaurant by the river on your right down a small track. The owner was very welcoming to us, even though he wasn't even open, and let us use his toilets.'
Yusufeli: Greenpeace Camping, Yusufeli
From the Erzurum-Artvin road D950, turn left (west) at a point 15 miles north of Tortum Falls. Yusufeli is 6 miles along. Go through the town and across the river, then take the first right, a narrow road. Look for the sign for Barcelona Hotel or Greenpeace Camping. The campsite is on a rough track along the river bank, past the Barcelona Hotel.
(+90) (0)466-8113620
WARNING: A very basic grassy campsite, with some tree-house accommodation. Access road difficult. Entrance too narrow and trees too low for larger motorhomes.
Macka: Macka is 16 miles inland from Trabzon, south on D885. Here a minor road turns off to the village of Cosandere and the Sumela Monastery beyond. Along the 4 miles to Cosandere lie several trout farms/restaurants which advertise 'camping'. In order from Macka, on the right of the road:
1. Verizana Camping, 2 miles after Macka. A small sloping field with no sign of life in May 2008 - and no reply on the phone: (+90) (0)462 5124062.
2. Sumela Restaurant/Camping. A trout farm/restaurant. We were offered a place in the car park with toilets (showers out of order) and some kind of hook-up, overpriced at €12.50 per night. (+90) (0)462 512581.
*3. Altintas Alabalik (trout) Restaurant. A new restaurant with trout farm behind. It has a caravan on its sign, along with a fish, a knife & fork and a cup of tea! Altintas family very welcoming. We stayed in a corner of the level car park, with electric hook-up and access to modern toilets and water. €5.00 per night. (+90) (0)462 5121708.
4. A sign for a second Sumela Camping pointed along an unsealed track to the right. It was a lovely walk up a fresh green valley along a tumbling stream, though the track got narrower and rougher. After the best part of a mile, a narrow wooden bridge crossed the stream to a trout hatchery/simple campsite with cabins - OK for a car or small light campervan, perhaps.
5. The Cosandere Pansiyon and Restaurant (smart new hotel) in the hamlet of Cosandere no longer has 'camping' (despite being listed in some guides).
Ünye: Gülen Camping-Plaj: Café/Restaurant/Camping, Devlet Sahil Yolu
About one mile west of Ünye, on the coastal highway towards Samsun. Situated between the noisy road and the beach, next to Uzunkum Camping.
(+90) (0)452-3247368
General info: The camping area here is shrinking, as more wooden bungalows are being built. Possibly space for tent or small van.
*Sinop: Marti Camping, Sakarya Cad, Gundogdu Pasaji, Akliman, Sinop
Opening period: 1 April to 15 September
Price: €15.00 (less 10% CCI discount) (2008)
Number of touring pitches: 80
On the coast near Sinop Airport, 5 miles west of Sinop.
General Info: Large grassy campsite with adequate facilities and hot showers. Café/bar. Bathing beach. Washing machine (€5).
*Cide: Mocamp Tesisleri, Limanici, Cide
Price: €10.00 (2008)
Turn down past the Yali Hotel to the harbour. The campsite is alongside a small restaurant on the right, about a mile from the town centre.
(+90) (0)366 8661065
General Info: Simple camping in the garden of a restaurant/bar/tea-room. Electric hook-up, potable water and toilets available (no showers). Possible disco noise at weekends!
Akcakoca: Hamburg Camping, Kale Yolu, Akcakoca
Price: €7.50
Coming west along coastal highway D010, ignore signs for Akcakoca town centre. Continue for 5 miles, then take first right after passing a Shell petrol station (signed for Akcakoca and 'Gurme' Fish Restaurant). Campsite less than a mile, on the right. Some signposting for 'Hamburg Camping'.
General Info: Basic grassy campsite with hook-ups, toilets and solar-heated showers. German-speaking owner. Wedding party with amplified music caused our hasty departure, but better value than Nejat!
*Akcakoca: Nejat Camping, Kale Yolu, Akcakoca
Price: €10.00 (2008)
Coming west along coastal highway D010, ignore signs for Akcakoca town centre. Continue for 5 miles, then take first right after passing a Shell petrol station (signed for Akcakoca and 'Gurme' Fish Restaurant). Campsite about a mile, on the left. Opposite Hamburg Camping.
General Info: The German-speaking owner is in the process of building a 'boutique hotel' next to his swimming pool and bar, adjacent to the beach. He also plans to upgrade the campsite facilities with new showers, etc. Meanwhile, there is camping with one electric hook-up, potable water, modern toilets and pool. No showers. Restaurant at Günbatimi Hotel next door. A one-mile walk into Akcakoca, past 2 internet cafes.
Akcakoca: Tezel Camping, Esentepe Mevkli, Istanbul Cad, Akcakoca
Price: €18.00 (less 10% CCI discount) (2008)
Coming west along coastal highway D010, ignore signs for Akcakoca town centre. Continue for 5 miles, then take first right after passing a Shell petrol station (signed for Akcakoca and 'Gurme' Fish Restaurant). At T-junction (about 2 miles), turn left towards town centre. Tezel campsite on left, less than a mile along.
General Info: A small ADAC/ACSI-listed campsite on two small sloping terraces above the beach, near town centre. Full facilities, French-speaking owner, too expensive.
*Edirne: Grand Ömür Camping, Kirklareli Kavsagi, Edirne
Price: €15.00 (No discounts, just supplements – for caravans, dogs, swimming …) (2008)
Grand Ömür Camping in Edirne is 5 miles east of Edirne, along road D100 (the old main road for Istanbul). About 1 mile after passing the junction for the Istanbul motorway, look for a left turn signed for the campsite, which is half a mile along this lane, on the right. If coming by motorway, take exit 3 on the east side of Edirne, turn left at D100 for 1 mile, then as above.
Phone: (+90) (0)284 22260036 (or 7)
Email:
General Info: Grand Ömür Camping in Edirne is our very worst experience of camping in Turkey (and the second most expensive). German-speaking warden (as in prison). List of things 'Verboten' displayed at entrance, plus several more as the whim takes her – but they don't apply to her. You have been warned! Facilities adequate. Washing machine (€5) and grubby swimming pool (€5 per person). Unfortunately, it's the only campsite convenient for the lovely city of Edirne, now that Camping Fifi has closed. Bus into city passes the gate. Taxis Verboten. Never again ...
.JPG)
