Free Camping Spots in the Black Sea Region 2026
The Black Sea is Turkey's greenest and rainiest region. With its mountains, highlands, glacial lakes, and deep valleys, it offers a nature experience completely different from seaside camping. Lush green forests, waterfalls, foggy mornings, and traditional highland culture—camping in the Black Sea region opens the door to a whole new world.
In this guide, we will explore the 5 most beautiful free campsites in the Black Sea region. These are not beach camps—they are highland, mountain, and forest campsites. Each promises adventure, nature, and an authentic Black Sea lifestyle.
Related Guide: 30 Free Camping Spots in Turkey
1. Ayder Plateau (Ayder Yaylası)
Rize's famous Ayder Plateau is one of the most popular camping spots in the Black Sea region. Situated at an altitude of 1,350 meters, surrounded by lush meadows, pine forests, and snowy peaks, this highland is ideal for both beginners and experienced mountaineers. Waterfalls, hot springs, and traditional wooden houses enrich the atmosphere.
There are many camping spots in and around Ayder. The areas near Gelintülü Waterfall, Huser Plateau, and Kavron Plateau are the most popular. The plateau center has grocery stores, restaurants, and a hot spring—a great advantage for those seeking comfort. However, it can get quite crowded during the summer months. Late May and September are much quieter. Since it serves as the starting point for Kaçkar climbs, trekking equipment rental is available.
Best Time to Visit: June-September Difficulty: Moderate Facilities: Restrooms, grocery store, restaurant, hot spring
Detailed Ayder Plateau Camping Guide →
2. Kaçkar Mountains
The Kaçkar Mountains, the backbone of the Eastern Black Sea, are Turkey's most impressive mountain camping destination. Reaching a peak of 3,937 meters, this mountain range is a paradise for hardcore campers with its glacial lakes, snowy summits, endemic plants, and untamed wilderness. Deniz Lake, Dilber Düzü, and Büyük Deniz Lakes are the most popular camping spots.
Camping in the Kaçkars requires serious preparation and experience. Weather conditions can change rapidly, and snowfall is possible even in summer. The routes are challenging, and going with a guide is highly recommended. However, the landscapes you will see, the crystal-clear lakes you will pass, and the nature experience you will have make every hardship worthwhile. You can enter through different routes from the villages of Çat, Ayder, or Olgunlar.
Best Time to Visit: July-August Difficulty: Advanced Facilities: None (pure wild camping)
Detailed Kaçkar Mountains Camping Guide →
3. Borçka Karagöl
Located in the Borçka district of Artvin at an altitude of 2,000 meters, Karagöl is enchanting with its misty atmosphere and mystical beauty. Pine forests, endemic rhododendron bushes, and green meadows stretch around this glacial lake. The blooming of the rhododendrons, especially in May and June, creates a spectacular scene.
Access to Karagöl is easy—you can drive right up to the lakeshore. This makes it ideal for families and beginners. There are picnic areas and basic restroom facilities by the lake. It is 27 km from the center of Borçka. When the morning mist covers the lake, it creates fantastic opportunities for photography. Fishing is prohibited as it is a nature reserve. Nighttime temperatures can drop, so a thick sleeping bag is a must.
Best Time to Visit: May-September Difficulty: Beginner Facilities: Picnic area, restrooms, parking lot
Detailed Borçka Karagöl Camping Guide →
4. Hamsilos Bay
Located in the Erfelek district of Sinop, Hamsilos is Turkey's narrowest fjord and one of the most extraordinary camping spots in the Black Sea region. Surrounded by steep cliffs, this narrow bay offers a unique geography enclosed by land on three sides and the sea on one. You can set up camp on the plateau at the upper points of the bay.
You descend to Hamsilos via a 300-step staircase. This physical challenge keeps it away from the crowds. There is a small beach in the bay where you can swim. However, the real beauty is the scenery—the sun rising over the valley on a misty morning is unforgettable. It is a paradise for photographers. It is 7 km from Erfelek, where you can do your basic shopping. Make sure to secure your tent well against the wind.
Best Time to Visit: June-September Difficulty: Moderate Facilities: Limited restrooms, restaurant in the bay
Detailed Hamsilos Bay Camping Guide →
5. Pokut Plateau (Pokut Yaylası)
Pokut, located in the Çamlıhemşin district of Rize, is the rising star of recent years. Situated at an altitude of 2,032 meters at the foothills of the Kaçkar Mountains, this plateau offers the experience of living above the clouds. With its traditional wooden houses, authentic highland life, and incredible views, it has become a favorite on Instagram.
Getting to Pokut is an adventure in itself—a narrow, winding dirt road. A 4x4 is recommended, but it can also be reached with a standard vehicle if you drive carefully. There are a few guesthouses on the plateau, but camping is also permitted. The most popular camping spot is the upper parts of the plateau center. The view of the sun rising over a sea of clouds in the morning is truly life-changing. The highland flowers are magnificent in June and July. Be prepared for unpredictable weather.
Best Time to Visit: June-September Difficulty: Moderate Facilities: Guesthouses, basic grocery store, limited electricity
Detailed Pokut Plateau Camping Guide →
Black Sea Campsites Comparison Table
| Campsite | Difficulty | Facilities | Best Season | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ayder Plateau | Moderate | ⭐⭐⭐ | Jun-Sep | Waterfalls + hot spring |
| Kaçkar Mountains | Advanced | ⭐ | Jul-Aug | Glacial lakes + summits |
| Borçka Karagöl | Beginner | ⭐⭐ | May-Sep | Rhododendrons + easy access |
| Hamsilos Bay | Moderate | ⭐⭐ | Jun-Sep | Fjord + unique geography |
| Pokut Plateau | Moderate | ⭐⭐ | Jun-Sep | Sea of clouds + authentic life |
General Tips for Camping in the Black Sea Region
Best Time: June to September is ideal for Black Sea camping. July and August offer the most stable weather conditions. May and June are the blooming seasons, while September is a riot of colors.
Weather Conditions: The weather in the Black Sea region is unpredictable. It can change from sun to rain, mist to wind within a single day. Be prepared for all seasons. Nighttime temperatures can drop to 5°C at high altitudes.
Equipment Recommendations:
- Thick, warm sleeping bag (-5°C comfort rating)
- Waterproof tent and tarp
- Raincoat and windbreaker are a must
- Trekking shoes (high-ankle)
- Thermal underwear
- Camping stove (for high altitudes)
- GPS and map (especially for the Kaçkars)
Transportation: Trabzon Airport is the main gateway. From there, you can use rental cars or minibuses (dolmuş). A 4x4 may be necessary for some plateaus. Many roads are closed during the winter months.
Local Experiences:
- Try Black Sea cuisine: muhlama, mıhlama, anchovies (hamsi)
- Buy organic products from highland markets
- Drink tea and chat in village houses
- Listen to traditional kemençe music
Safety:
- Be aware of lower oxygen levels at high altitudes
- Constantly monitor the weather forecast
- Consider hiring a guide (especially for the Kaçkars)
- Bears are present - store your food securely
- Cell phone reception might be unavailable - download offline maps
Health:
- Altitude sickness is possible, ascend slowly
- A first aid kit is essential
- Mosquito repellent (May-July)
- Water purification tablets
Budget: Camping in the Black Sea region is budget-friendly. A daily budget of 80-120 TL is sufficient. Highland products are cheap and fresh.
Environmental Awareness:
- The Black Sea ecosystem is fragile - take your trash with you
- Do not pick the highland flowers
- Be extremely careful when lighting fires
- Do not pollute natural water sources
Next Read: Free Camping Spots in the Marmara Region →
Main Guide: The 30 Best Free Camping Spots in Turkey →
