Soğucak Plateau, Sakarya

Perks: Free of charge, outhouses, family friendly

Soğucak Yaylası (or plateau, in English) is the perfect place for families with kids. This large, grassy plateau is situated atop a peak in the Samanlı mountain range in Sakarya province. Though Google maps may show two routes, make sure to take the road that runs through İlmiye – the other is a logger’s road that is not friendly to passenger vehicles. You can pitch a tent anywhere, though I recommend driving across the plateau once you emerge from the woods, as there are some outhouses along the tree line on that side.

The tall grass makes for a soft bed and also an ideal playing field for kicking a football or throwing a Frisbee. This spot is also perfect for star-gazing. Before turning in for the night, put out a blanket and lie on your back to watch the Earth spin.

If you want to get some hiking in, you can walk 5 kilometers (3 miles) to the Doğansivri fire tower – just ask a local to point you to the trailhead. On a crystal clear day, you may be lucky enough to see both Sapanca Lake and the Black Sea beyond it.

Make sure you bring sunscreen with you if you are fair-skinned because the UV exposure increases at higher altitudes. Once you have made your way back down the mountain, I recommend washing the dust off with a swim in Sapanca Lake at Harmanlık.