Sultanpınar Plateau, Bolu

Perks: Free of charge, humans nearby in case of emergency, wellsuited for leisurely hikes

Sultanpınar Yaylası, on the Bolu-Sakarya border, is perhaps my favorite plateau in the region. This plateau is home to a rustic village. We encountered some car trouble on our first trip to Sultanpınar and about half a dozen villagers offered tea and assistance, with one even urging us to spend the night at his house. We were the only campers there that weekend and pitched our tents on the opposite side of the pond from the village. There are no designated camping areas, so pitch your tent wherever your heart desires. Be warned, there are no bathroom facilities.

If you have time to explore, the area is home to several plateaus, skirted by mixed forest, carpeted in stubby green grasses and laced with streams. You can hike between some of the plateaus, though you will want to ensure your phone is charged so you can use the GPS if you wander too far from your campsite.