Gökova, Akyaka and Marmaris camping guide: from the Azmak to Ekincik
The ice-cold Azmak river, kitesurfing in Akyaka, the pine forests behind Marmaris and the tucked-away bay of Ekincik. A guide to camping on the greenest stretch of the Muğla coast.
Teknovan Editorial Team ·
The Gulf of Gökova, where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean, is the greenest stretch of coast in Muğla province. In Akyaka the clear Azmak river flows into the sea, at Akbük the pine forest comes right down to the beach, the hills behind Marmaris are covered in Turkish red pine, and Ekincik is a hidden bay you only reach by a long, winding road. Dalaman airport (DLM) and Bodrum-Milas (BJV) are both within reach. This guide covers camping in Akyaka, camping in Marmaris and the campsites around Gökova.
The area at a glance
| Area | Highlights | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Akyaka | The Azmak, kitesurfing, Cittaslow town | Surfers, couples, families |
| Akbük (Gökova) | Bay ringed by pine forest | Quiet camping by the sea |
| Marmaris | Forest camps, boat trips | Long stays by campervan |
| Ekincik | Tucked-away bay, boats to Dalyan and Kaunos | Nature and peace and quiet |
Akyaka: the Azmak and the wind
Akyaka is a small town at the eastern end of the Gulf of Gökova and a member of the Cittaslow network. The Azmak, which runs through the town, is the symbol of the area, with clear water that stays ice-cold even in summer. Rowing boat trips and the restaurants along its banks are the heart of Akyaka. A steady afternoon wind makes the gulf one of the best-known kitesurfing spots in Türkiye.
The forest camp near town is in the shade of pine trees, within walking distance of the sea, and gets very busy in summer.
Akbük: sea camping in the pine forest
Akbük bay, on the north shore of Gökova, is a beach ringed by pine forest with a calm sea. The campsites here have pitches right on the water and shaded tent areas under the trees. It is quieter than Akyaka. If your idea of a good day is swimming and reading, it is a good pick.
Marmaris: forest and boats
Get a few kilometres out of busy central Marmaris and the hills covered in red pine and quiet coves begin. The campsites here have electricity and water for campervan travellers who want to stay a while. The boat trips that leave from Marmaris are the easiest way to see the coves around it.
Ekincik: the hidden bay
Ekincik, in the Köyceğiz district, is a small bay reached by a winding road down through the mountains. Boats leave from here for the Dalyan channel, the rock tombs of Kaunos and İztuzu beach. Camping in Ekincik really does mean getting away from the crowds.
Campsites in the area
The list is a selection of campsites on teknovan.com.tr. Ratings are based on Google reviews and are as of 1 November 2026.
| Campsite | Location | Type | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Azmakbaşı Camping | Akyaka | Campsite | 4.2 |
| Akyaka Orman Kampı | Akyaka | Forest camp | 3.8 |
| Akbük Palmiye Camping & Beach Cafe | Akbük | Campsite | 4.9 |
| Akbük Diem Camping | Akbük | Campsite | 4.2 |
| Karya Beach Camping | Akbük | Campsite | 4.1 |
| Marmaris Kerimoğlu Kamp Alanları | Marmaris | Campsite | 4.7 |
| Kocabahçe Glamping | Marmaris | Glamping | 4.5 |
| Evcan Kamping | Marmaris | Campsite | 4.1 |
| Nomad Ekincik | Ekincik | Campsite | 4.9 |
When to go
- May-June: Start of the wind season, not many people.
- July-August: The most reliable wind for kitesurfing. Forest camps are very busy.
- September-October: Warm sea, quiet town. The nicest time to camp in Akyaka.
Notes for campervan travellers
- The Ekincik road is steep and full of bends. If you are towing a long caravan, ask the campsite about the road before you set off.
- Parking in central Akyaka is limited. Leave the van at the campsite and walk or cycle into town.
- Because of the fire risk, barbecue and fire rules at the forest camps are strict. Stick to them.
FAQ
Where can you camp in Akyaka? Akyaka has a forest camp and private campsites. In summer you need to book ahead.
When is the kitesurfing season in Akyaka? The wind usually blows steadily in the afternoons from May to October. Summer is the busiest time.
Where does the route go after Gökova? East, to Fethiye and the Lycian coast. See our Fethiye, Kabak and Patara guide.
You can see the campsites around Gökova and Marmaris on the teknovan.com.tr campsites page and send your booking request from there.
Image credits
Photos illustrate the region; they are not photos of the campsites themselves.
- Akyaka, Gökova Körfezi: Iemizrak, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Ekincik: Mehmettorun, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Gökova Körfezi: Iemizrak, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
