Sultanpınar Plateau is a free plateau in Sakarya's Akyazı district, located at 1200-1300 meters altitude, used as a camping and picnic area with its two lakes and forest plains.
Sultanpınar Plateau, part of Sakarya's Akyazı district, is situated on a vast plateau surrounded by forests, approximately 1200-1300 meters above sea level. With its two distinct lakes and the mixed forest cover around them, the area has caught the attention of both picnickers and camping enthusiasts. Since there are other plateaus in the vicinity, it's possible to visit one and move on to another; Davlumbaz Plateau and Acella Plateau are often mentioned together.
Visitors highlight the plateau's tranquility and natural beauty; campers describe it as a perfect fit for recharging energy and relieving stress. Some visitors note that the road is quite bumpy and reaching the lakeside is not possible with every vehicle; one commenter states they barely managed to get through with an Iveco caravan. There are also warnings about mobile phone signal: visitors report that operators, including Turkcell, do not have reception. There is a small grocery store below; it is much safer to buy supplies and provisions from the district center, not from there.
The warning "Do not leave trash" is repeated in multiple visitor comments, which shows how difficult it is to keep the plateau clean. Prepare your camping tent and clothes accordingly, considering that the wind can blow strongly. Drinking water from the fountains along the road has almost become a tradition among visitors.
Related discoveries: Natural Beauties, Sakarya natural beauties, Maden Stream and Waterfall.
Guide's Note
Best Time to Visit
The most suitable period to visit Sultanpınar Plateau is the summer season, extending from early June to late September. During this time, the roads are relatively more passable, the weather is cool, and the forest green is at its most vibrant. In spring, due to snowmelt, dirt roads can become muddy; in autumn, visibility may decrease with increasing fog. In winter, the plateau is covered with snow, making access difficult. If you don't like heavy camping traffic, prefer weekdays; on weekends, especially in July-August, the number of picnickers significantly increases.
How to Get There
To reach Sultanpınar Plateau, you need to follow the Adapazarı-Akyazı route from Sakarya and then follow the signs leading to the plateau. Access from Akyazı to the plateau takes approximately 1.5 hours. There are a few fountain points along the road; visitors do not neglect to drink water from these fountains.
The last section of the road is quite bumpy and potholed. One visitor reports that they barely managed to get through with an Iveco caravan; therefore, a high-traction or 4x4 vehicle should be preferred. Although it is possible to go with a standard passenger car, it may not be possible to descend to the lakeside with every vehicle. There is no public transport connection; a private vehicle is essential.
How Much Time to Allocate
If you are coming for a day trip, 3-5 hours is sufficient; this time is suitable for exploring the picnic areas and walking around the lakes. If you plan to camp, a 1-2 night stay allows you to feel the true atmosphere of the plateau. If you intend to visit the surrounding plateaus (Davlumbaz, Acella) as well, allocate at least two nights; each has its own unique scenery.
Route Suggestion
When departing from Akyazı, get water from the fountains along the road. Upon arrival at the plateau, first take a walk on the wide plateau and discover the two lakes. Take a break at one of the picnic areas around noon. In the afternoon, you can take a short trip to Davlumbaz Plateau; the distance between the two plateaus is close. If you are camping, choose a sheltered area against the wind in the evening; visitors note that the wind can blow strongly.
Food and Drink
There is only a small grocery store on the plateau; it is difficult to find anything beyond basic necessities. It is much more practical to obtain your food, drinks, and camping supplies from the Akyazı district center. Don't forget to bring barbecue supplies, ready-to-eat food, and sufficient water. Although the fountain waters along the road are said to be potable, if you have a sensitive stomach, prefer bottled water.
Things to Consider
Phone signal: Visitors report that operators, including Turkcell, have little to no signal on the plateau. For emergencies, download an offline map and inform those with you of your location in advance.
Road conditions: The bumpy and potholed road requires a high-traction vehicle. It may not be possible to descend to the lakeside with a standard vehicle.
Trash: More than one visitor warns against leaving trash. Take everything you bring with you back; keeping the plateau clean depends on visitors' attitudes.
Wind: Due to the high altitude, the wind can blow unexpectedly strongly; take this into account when choosing your camping tent and clothes.
Photo Spots
The two lakes of Sultanpınar Plateau offer striking shots with mist and forest reflections in the morning. Wide-angle shots can be taken from the hills dominating the plateau; the silhouette of the surrounding plateaus also forms a beautiful background for photographs. The fountain points within the forest and old plateau houses also contain interesting details. Since there is no phone signal, save your photos to your device; instant sharing may not be possible.
FAQ
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