Kaz Mountains National Park: Sütüven Waterfall, Pınarbaşı and camping in the pines
A mountain full of fresh air just behind the Gulf of Edremit. Waterfalls, streamside walks, camping options and what to know before you go to Kazdağı National Park.
Teknovan Editorial Team ·
So much is said about the air in the Kaz Mountains (Kazdağları) that you start to suspect a bit of exaggeration. Then you open the window on the road up from Zeytinli and go quiet. Pine, mint and wet earth. Below you the Gulf of Edremit, above you peaks disappearing into cloud.
Kazdağı National Park sits in the North Aegean, roughly halfway between Çanakkale and İzmir, and was protected in the early 1990s. With its northern slopes, stream valleys and endemic plants, it's one of the richest natural areas on the Aegean. This is Mount Ida of antiquity. According to legend, it was here that Paris handed over the famous apple.
Sütüven Waterfall and Hasanboğuldu
The most visited spot in the park is the Sütüven area, about 4.5 kilometres from Zeytinli. Here the Kızılkeçili stream first forms a pool and then drops about 17 metres as Sütüven Waterfall. The pool is called Hasanboğuldu ("Hasan drowned"). There's a love story behind the name, and it's better heard from the locals.
The walk from the car park to the waterfall is short and easy. It gets crowded around midday at weekends. Go before nine in the morning and you'll have the waterfall almost to yourself.
Pınarbaşı and streamside walks
The park's second day-use area is Pınarbaşı. Trails from here follow the stream into the forest. Along the way you'll see small pools and plane trees leaning over the water.
There are long routes up to the summit (Karataş Tepesi) too, but these are long and may need a permit. In summer, when the fire risk is high, entry to parts of the park is restricted. Check the latest announcements before you set off.
Where to camp
There are no overnight stays in the park's day-use areas. Campers base themselves in the villages at the foot of the mountain and at campsites along the streams. Around Güre, Zeytinli and Kızılkeçili there are plenty of options for tents, campervans and bungalows.
| Campsite | Location | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Kazdağı Kamp | Edremit | 4.6 |
| Değirmen Kamp | Edremit | 4.8 |
| Hızır Kamp | Edremit | 4.6 |
Ratings are based on Google reviews as of 1 November 2026.
When to go
- April and May: The mountain is in flower and the streams are full. The waterfall is at its strongest.
- June to August: The mountain stays cool while the coast bakes. But fire bans become more frequent in this period.
- October and November: Autumn colours and the olive harvest. Our favourite time in the Kaz Mountains.
A budget-friendly Kaz Mountains plan
The area is also known for pricey boutique hotels, but you don't need to spend money to enjoy the nature. Stay at a campsite, shop at the village market and eat lunch by the stream. Give the day to Sütüven and Pınarbaşı and finish the evening by the sea in Güre.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an entrance fee for Kazdağı National Park? Yes, the day-use areas charge a fee. Prices can change during the year.
Can you drive to Sütüven in a campervan? The road after Zeytinli is narrow but tarmacked. The car park is small, so it's easier to leave a large van in the village.
Can you pitch a tent in the park? Not in the day-use areas. Use the campsites nearby.
For the coast and Assos, see our Kaz Mountains and Assos camping guide.
Sources
- Kazdağı National Park, Kure Encyclopedia (Turkish)
- Entry to Kazdağları National Park restricted, Ekonomist (Turkish)
Image credits
Photos illustrate the region; they are not photos of the campsites themselves.
- Kazdağları: Alfinkedisi, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons.jpg)
- Behramkale, Assos: Kadı, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
