The map of campsites and motorhome parking areas in the Istanbul region covers both the European
https://greatrvtrip.com/en/rv-rental-turkey and Asian sides, as well as Kocaeli Province. Most of these sites are located along the Black Sea coast, offering spacious parking areas and forested surroundings.
Key locations on the map:
Beykoz District (Göllü and Esenceli) — Asian Side:
Göllü Caravan Park: A primary destination on the Asian side, situated in a forest near the Black Sea. It is ideal for those looking to combine a nature retreat with proximity to the city.
Esenceli Camping: Located slightly further east, within the same forested area.
Şile and Kilyos Districts — European Side:
Kilyos (Kilyos Plajı): A surfing hub known for its wide, sandy beaches. While there is no single, dedicated caravan park, many beach clubs (such as Burc Beach and Solar Beach) allow motorhomes to park on-site for a fee. Informal ("wild") camping is also possible on more remote beaches, such as those near the Longos Forest.
Şile: Located east of Kilyos, this area features rocky coastlines and a lighthouse. Parking is available near scenic overlooks, though "wild" overnight camping here carries a higher risk of encountering patrols.
Kocaeli Province — East of Istanbul:
Kandıra and Kerpe: Situated in the neighboring province (about a 1–1.5 hour drive from Istanbul), this area is considered a mecca for Turkish caravanning along the Black Sea. It hosts some of the best-equipped campsites—for instance, in the Sığacık area—which provide full service facilities, including water drainage and refilling stations. Saros Bay (Saros Körfezi) — West of Istanbul (European side):
Located in Tekirdağ Province (about a 3–4 hour drive), this is a popular destination for Istanbul residents looking for a long weekend getaway. The water here is self-cleansing, and there are dozens of campsites along the coast (in the Eçendere and Ilıkdere areas).
Logistics for traveling by motorhome:
From Istanbul Airport (IST): It is most convenient to head north toward Şile and Kilyos.
From Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW): It is more convenient to head south toward Beykoz and Göllü.
Transit through the city: When crossing the Bosphorus in a motorhome, it is best to use the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge (the 3rd bridge) or the Osmangazi Bridge, heading toward Kocaeli. These crossings are toll-based (an HGS sticker is required). The Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge (the 2nd bridge) and the Eurasia Tunnel are not suitable for tall motorhomes due to steep gradients and low clearance in the tunnel.
The map of campsites and motorhome parking areas in the Istanbul region covers both the European https://greatrvtrip.com/en/rv-rental-turkey and Asian sides, as well as Kocaeli Province. Most of these sites are located along the Black Sea coast, offering spacious parking areas and forested surroundings.Key locations on the map:Beykoz District (Göllü and Esenceli) — Asian Side:Göllü Caravan Park: A primary destination on the Asian side, situated in a forest near the Black Sea. It is ideal for those looking to combine a nature retreat with proximity to the city.Esenceli Camping: Located slightly further east, within the same forested area.Şile and Kilyos Districts — European Side:Kilyos (Kilyos Plajı): A surfing hub known for its wide, sandy beaches. While there is no single, dedicated caravan park, many beach clubs (such as Burc Beach and Solar Beach) allow motorhomes to park on-site for a fee. Informal ("wild") camping is also possible on more remote beaches, such as those near the Longos Forest.Şile: Located east of Kilyos, this area features rocky coastlines and a lighthouse. Parking is available near scenic overlooks, though "wild" overnight camping here carries a higher risk of encountering patrols.Kocaeli Province — East of Istanbul:Kandıra and Kerpe: Situated in the neighboring province (about a 1–1.5 hour drive from Istanbul), this area is considered a mecca for Turkish caravanning along the Black Sea. It hosts some of the best-equipped campsites—for instance, in the Sığacık area—which provide full service facilities, including water drainage and refilling stations. Saros Bay (Saros Körfezi) — West of Istanbul (European side):Located in Tekirdağ Province (about a 3–4 hour drive), this is a popular destination for Istanbul residents looking for a long weekend getaway. The water here is self-cleansing, and there are dozens of campsites along the coast (in the Eçendere and Ilıkdere areas).Logistics for traveling by motorhome:From Istanbul Airport (IST): It is most convenient to head north toward Şile and Kilyos.From Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW): It is more convenient to head south toward Beykoz and Göllü.Transit through the city: When crossing the Bosphorus in a motorhome, it is best to use the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge (the 3rd bridge) or the Osmangazi Bridge, heading toward Kocaeli. These crossings are toll-based (an HGS sticker is required). The Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge (the 2nd bridge) and the Eurasia Tunnel are not suitable for tall motorhomes due to steep gradients and low clearance in the tunnel.
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