Unspoiled
nature, a cultural panorama, a historical tapestry and uncalculating friendship await
campers in Turkey. The geographical diversity and sheer size of the Turkish landscape
lends itself to camping adventures: from the shimmering shores of the Aegean and
Mediterranean to the lush Black Sea coast, from pristine mountain lakes to the haunting
beauty of ancient ruins, from the freshness of high mountain meadows to the surprise of
fairy chimneys and underground cities.
Turkey is a beautiful place for camping. When travelling throughout the country one can
not refrain oneself from asking for many more camping facilities to be brought to life in
Turkey than what is found. For one thing camping is not very common amongst the Turkish
holidaymakers, thus, facilities for camping can sometimes be poor.
However, with the popularization of
the alternative tour programs, camping is also growing and developing in Turkey. Campsites
are often found adjacent to pansions, or roughly established in their back gardens. If
there is no site, and you still want to camp, you can often do so for a nominal fee or for
free. Standards vary hugely, from a basic field to fully equipped sites. Charges fluctuate
accordingly, running from $5 to $15 per night per tent.
If you do not carry your own camping
gear, you might find out some camps that have ready tents. Sometimes a simple wooden
bungalow would do.
The price and value of the bungalows depends on the individual site.
The most important consideration in
the summer is shade - to avoid a six a.m. wake up by roasting, you must pitch your tent in
such a position as to ensure that between 6 and 8 am you get the shade of one of the
clusters of olive trees with which most sites are adorned. This is a skill which will come
naturally to you after a few sweltering mornings.
There are some glorious places to camp
in Turkey, and many places where camping is dictated, either by the natural beauty of the
landscape or by the lack of any other choice. This is especially true of the Aegean coast,
where camping is the ultimate way to enjoy undeveloped but idyllic beautyspots.
Trekking is growing in popularity among young Turkish people, and so camping in the wilds
of the Kackar or Toros mountains is catching on. Information on camping in national park
campsites can be had from Tourist Information Offices.
Camping whether by caravan or in tents enables visitors to see a Turkey rarely seen by
tourists; a country of small villages and charming provincial towns, a country wide open
and unfenced, a country known for its hospitality and generosity.
Camping is an inseparable part of Anatolian culture. The nomadic traditions of the Turks
have left a strong impression on modern day life, influencing everything from dietary
habits to styles of interior decoration Kilims, for example, were originally used by
nomads and pastirma, meat cured with spices and garlic, was an integral part of the
nomadic diet. The trek up to the high mountain meadows in summer to escape the heat of the
coastal plain is another enduring nomadic tradition.
Medieval caravansarais, a few of them restored, dot the eastwest Silk Route, attesting to
the mobility of early commercial travelers. Indeed the history of Anatolia is marked by
shifts of populations and an on-going cultural symbiosis, throughwhich the achievements of
one civilization draw upon the experiences of a previous one. Turkey is often called an
"open air museum" and camping is one of the best ways to see this extraordinary
place.
Numerous organized campsites around Turkey welcome travelers. Many of these are accessible
by highway and border the sea. These provide an ideal setting for a family vacation; the
campsites provide water and cooking and sanitary facilities, and local shops sell fresh
food, while the beaches and sea offer endless recreational possibilities for children and
adults alike.
Caravans and backpackers may consider the entire country as their campsite. Provisions can
be purchased in any town and the locals are always happy to share their land with
visitors. Just one reminder: responsible campers leave their campsites clean and
unlittered. To enjoy the environment , we must protect it!
This map is intended to provide a starting point for your journey. Your local Turkish
Tourism Office will be happy to offer suggestions to help plan a trip. Many tour agencies
organize trekking expeditions, river rafting and horseback trips for the adventurous
traveler. Fully equipped campers (caravans) can be rented in Turkey's major cities for
excursions into the countryside.
