Should be explored separately: Urfa campgrounds
Known as the “City of Prophets”, Şanlıurfa is a prominent center for faith tourism as well as destination filled with historical, culinary and cultural riches. You can check out Şanlıurfa: A place of legends for more information on this extraordinary city. Yet, while the city and province are known for their history, we hear less about other activities in the area, such as camping!
The Şanlıurfa province offers beautiful camping areas, complete with breath-taking natural surroundings and a slightly mystical ambiance. Keep reading to learn more!
Halfeti Campground
Sometimes described as an open-air museum due to its historical structures, Halfeti is set along the Euphrates River in the Şanlıurfa province. A member of the Cittaslow (Slow City) network in Türkiye , this lovely town offers a special camping experience in addition to its cultural and natural beauties.
Stunning views, stone houses and the town’s famous “black roses” are just a few of Halfeti’s bountiful offerings. The Halfeti Municipality has taken hospitality a step further, providing free camping and caravan areas in the Çekem neighborhood. These camping facilities are also conveniently close to restaurants, supermarkets and small shops.
Minibuses to Halfeti depart regularly from the Şanlıurfa city center. You can also travel to Halfeti in a private vehicle or a taxi.
Birecik Campground
Birecik Campground is in the Birecik district of Şanlıurfa province, about 40 kilometers from Halfeti and 89 kilometers from the city of Şanlıurfa. Set along the Euphrates River, the campsite provides an ideal environment for long hikes and taking landscape photos.
The campground is not far from the Birecik town center, so shops and markets are easily accessible.
Harran Plain Campground
The Harran Plain Camping Area is about 44 kilometers from the Şanlıurfa city center. Harran, notable for its historical ruins and domed houses made of packed mud, is among the most prominent destinations on the Şanlıurfa cultural route.
Campers have easy access to the district center’s markets and shops. There is no charge for camping here.
Minibuses to Harran depart from the Şanlıurfa bus station. If you are traveling via private vehicle, simply follow the signs to Akçakale signs.
Tek Mountains National Park Campground
About 20 kilometers from the Harran district center is the expansive Tek Mountains National Park Camping Area. In addition to beautiful camping areas, this former Mesopotamian territory offers such historical riches as the Ruins of Sogmatar and Senem Cave.
You can camp at no charge in areas outside the National Park but be aware that the summer heat can be intense without tree shade. Thus, we recommend bringing a shade canopy for your tent.
There are various markets within the National Park, but there is no public transportation. The easiest way to reach the Tek Mountains National Park is via private vehicle.
Bozova Campground
About 40 kilometers from the Sanliurfa city center is the Bozova Campsite. The campground is in the Bozova district, close to the banks of the Euphrates River. The campsite welcomes guests free of charge.
There are smooth green areas, pine forests and a number of recreational areas. As well, campers can easily purchase food and other supplies in the Bozova district center.
Minibuses to Bozova depart from the center of Sanliurfa or you can travel via private vehicle.
Gölpınar Nature Park Campground
Gölpınar Nature Park Camping Area, about 16 kilometers from the Şanlıurfa city center, draws visitors due its proximity to the center, its airy atmosphere and its pine forests. There is a fee for camping in the Gölpınar Nature Park Camping Area.
The area is ideal for hiking, bird watching and photography. In addition, there are picnic areas, toilet facilities and a rustic restaurant, along with play spaces for children.
The camping area is on the Göbeklitepe road. You can get there via the Gölpınar minibuses or a private vehicle.
A Mesopotamian vibe: Mardin campsites
One of Türkiye ’s most important tourist centers, Mardin has long been acclaimed for its tradition of tolerance as well as its significant cultural richness. To discover more about Mardin, check out The city of tales: Mardin.
Mardin embraces nature lovers with lush vineyard areas surrounding the city and orchards set amid ancient Mesopotamian ruins. Camping in this southeastern Anatolian region is a special experience.
Beyazsu Campsite
About 80 kilometers from the city center of Mardin, Beyazsu Camping Area is considered among the area’s most beautiful campsites. It is free to camp in this gorgeous valley with mountain views.
While there are no markets in the camping area, there is a market nearby, as well as toilet facilities. You can reach Beyazsu Camping Area from the Midyat district via minibus or private vehicle.
Karasu Waterfall Campground
About 60 kilometers from Mardin, in Yücebağ, Mazıdağı, is the Karasu Waterfall Camping Area. This beautiful locale is ideal for activities such as trekking and landscape photography. It is free to camp here but be aware that there are no markets or shops in the near vicinity.
There is no public transportation to Karasu Waterfall Campground. The easiest way to reach the area is by private car or taxi.
Bakrkırı Campground
Bakırkırı Campground, just 5 kilometers from the center of Mardin, is a popular campsite due to its proximity to the city. Long hiking trails and free camping, along with selected areas that permit controlled fires, offer an ideal setting for tents and caravans. However, there are no market or toilet facilities in the camping area. Bakırkırı Campground is reachable via public transportation from the Mardin city center or via private vehicle.
Gurs Waterfall Campground
Sometimes described as a hidden paradise among the Mardin-area campsites, Gurs Waterfall Campground is 23 kilometers from the city center. Featuring a waterfall surrounded by trees, the campground presents a magnificent visual feast.
While there are no dining or toilet facilities in the vicinity of a campground, a trout farm nearby offers these amenities. You can reach Gurs Waterfall Campground from the Mardin’s Kızıltepe district via shuttles or via buses from the city center.
Yeşilli Valley Campground
About 10 kilometers from the Mardin city center, Yeşilli Valley Campground in the Yeşilli district offers a beautiful and family-friendly environment with its picnic areas. The campground does not have dining or toilet facilities.
Yeşilli Valley Campground is reachable via private vehicle.
Dara Village Campground
About 35 kilometers from the Mardin city center is Dara Village Campground. In the Artuklu district, the campground features water canals and historical ruins. We especially recommend exploring the ruins and taking lots of photos! The nearby district center offers a few markets and dining facilities.
Dara Village Campground can be reached via minibuses departing from the district center or via private vehicle.
We hope you have a delightful camping experience full of adventure!
