Gökçeada Camping Guide: Free & Paid Sites

People considering camping on Gökçeada usually fall into two groups: those who won't give up comfort and those who say "don't let anyone find me." There's room for both on this island, but whichever you choose, don't come without accounting for the wind. One September evening at Yıldız Koy, while setting up my tent, the couple next to me took down and re-pitched theirs three times — the pegs wouldn't hold in the sand. I've been telling everyone ever since: bring rock pegs or screw pegs, or your tent will fly away with you at night.

In this guide, I've compiled all of Gökçeada's camping options, from paid facilities to pristine coves, caravan sites to family-friendly spots. I've also included legal rules, current prices, and practical details no one else writes about.

Paid Camping Areas: For Those Who Want Comfort

Yıldız Koy Arkadia Camping

The island's best-known campsite and, in my opinion, the most balanced option. It's right next to the underwater park, and you walk down to the cove's turquoise water. There are 3 toilets and 5 showers, cleaned 4-5 times a day — a serious standard for the island's camping scene. Breakfast features fresh herbs, olive oil dishes, and seasonal fish. Starting at around 100 TL per person, breakfast included. They offer a discount for cash payments. Last summer, a couple from Ankara staying in the neighboring tent planned to stay three days — they stayed ten. "Time works differently here," they said as they left. They were right. Reservation: 0286 887 2846.

Surf Inn

On the Kefaloz side, the meeting point for kitesurfers. Camping here isn't a standalone activity — it's intertwined with surf culture. Tent accommodation is around 500-600 TL, and if you come with a caravan, it can go up to 1,500 TL (max 3 people). They also have 7 bungalows. The wind here is a friend, not an enemy — at least that's what the surfers think. Just watching the kites as you walk down to the sea from the campsite is an experience in itself.

Other Paid Options

The island has a few more facilities, each with its own character:

• Şen Kamping (Aydıncık Beach): Tent 50 TL, caravan 100 TL. Cafe, restaurant, shower, WC, electricity available. Good value for money, but there are complaints about service attitude — bring your patience.
• Wagon Concept Camping (Merkez): 6 bungalows, 53 tent pitches. Suitable for families with wooden bungalow and tiny house options. The private seating areas are well thought out.
• Temel Baba Camping Area: Entry around 400-500 TL, but worth coming for the kid goat tandır (roasted young goat). Restaurant and breakfast service available.
• Uğurlu Village Camping Area: Village atmosphere, walking distance to the beach. Kitchen utensils provided, hot water available. One of the rare campsites accessible even by public transport.

Free Camping Areas: For Adventure Seekers

Mavi Koy (Blue Cove)

When I first saw Mavi Koy, I couldn't understand why so few people knew about it — then I understood on the way back. From Kaleköy, you walk 10 minutes to Yıldız Koyu, then another 30 minutes east on a dirt path. The trail is tough, rocky, and steep; don't even think about going in flip-flops or sandals. No vehicles allowed — you'll carry everything, including food and water, on your back. No toilets, showers, or electricity. But when you descend into that cove and swim in the sea with no one around — every kilo you carried is worth it. This season, in mid-September, there are at most 3-4 tents in the cove.

Gizli Liman (Hidden Harbor)

At Turkey's westernmost point, under pine trees, truly isolated. 25 km from the center; you go to Uğurlu Village and then walk toward the coast. Like Mavi Koy, there's no infrastructure here. But once you experience that moment when the pine scent mixes with sea salt, you return every summer. Bring all your water, food, and trash bags — zero waste is not just a slogan here, it's a necessity.

Free camping is also possible at some spots on Aydıncık Beach and Laz Koyu. Laz Koyu is sheltered from the wind in summer but has no shade — a sun umbrella is essential. There's a free area at Yıldız Koyu, but gendarmerie checks are strict — you might be warned and asked to move.

Which Camping Area for Whom?

Families: Yıldız Koy Arkadia (ages 3-6 free, 7-12 50% discount) and Wagon Concept with private seating areas are good options. Kefalos Beach is also safe for children with its shallow water.

Solo travelers and couples: Mavi Koy offers that silence and privacy. Gizli Liman is a bit farther but perfect for those who want to sleep under pine trees.

Surfers: Surf Inn is designed for them. You can rent kitesurf equipment and take lessons.

Caravan travelers: Surf Inn, Şen Kamping, and Wagon Concept accept caravans. Kaleköy Harbor is also a suitable stop for caravans thanks to its paved roads.

Budget-conscious travelers: Şen Kamping at 50 TL per tent is the most affordable paid option. Mavi Koy and Gizli Liman are completely free but have no facilities — come prepared.

If you want to spend your time beyond camping, the island has plenty of trekking, diving, and cycling routes. Before coming, be sure to check ferry schedules — especially off-season, sailings are reduced. Weather also determines everything on Gökçeada; don't pitch your tent without checking the live forecast.

Legal Rules and Things to Watch Out For

Don't skip this part because if you don't take it seriously, you might meet the gendarmerie. Due to Gökçeada National Park and Underwater National Park status, unauthorized camping is prohibited. From June to October, by governor's decree, wild camping and lighting fires — including barbecues — are completely banned in forested and coastal areas. Except for designated barbecue areas at licensed facilities, lighting fires in the open has serious legal penalties.

One morning while walking along Yıldız Koyu beach, I saw a group that had pitched their tents overnight being removed by the gendarmerie. They were let off with a warning, but it's not always that easy. If you stay at licensed facilities, you'll have no problem.

Practical reminders:

• Gökçeada is a windy island — sturdy tent poles and pegs are essential
• Free areas have no facilities: bring water, food, trash bags, toilet paper — everything
• Sun protection: shade is limited, sunscreen and umbrella are necessary
• Public transport on the island is very limited — come with your own vehicle or rent one on the island
• Ferry: Kabatepe – Gökçeada with Gestaş takes about 1 hour 15 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is camping prohibited on Gökçeada?

Camping at licensed facilities is allowed. However, during summer months (June-October), due to forest fire risk, wild camping and open fires in forested and coastal areas are banned by governor's decree. Those who pitch tents without permission may be removed by the gendarmerie.

Are there places for free camping on Gökçeada?

Mavi Koy and Gizli Liman are pristine areas where free camping is possible. It's also possible at some spots on Aydıncık Beach. However, these areas have no facilities like toilets, showers, or electricity — you must bring all your supplies.

What is the best time for camping?

Late August to early September is the ideal period. The weather is still warm, the sea is swimmable, but the crowds have thinned. July and early August are the busiest times; finding a spot becomes difficult. June is also nice, but the sea might be a bit cold.

Can I camp with a caravan?

Yes. Surf Inn, Şen Kamping, and Wagon Concept Camping offer caravan accommodation. Kaleköy Harbor is also a suitable stop for caravan travelers thanks to its paved roads.

Which camping area is suitable for families with children?

Yıldız Koy Arkadia offers free entry for ages 3-6 and 50% discount for ages 7-12. Wagon Concept Camping is family-friendly with private seating areas. Kefalos Beach is also a safe choice for children with its shallow water and clean sand.