Yozgat Camligi National Park in Yozgat, Turkey, is a forest reserve established in 1958 featuring 400–500-year-old black pines, a lakeside café, and hiking trails; entrance costs 30–40 TL per person or 60–80 TL per vehicle.
Yozgat Camligi is a forest area declared as Turkey's first national park in 1958. Located 5 km from the city center, within the borders of Eskipazar District, on the slopes of Soguksoluk Hill. The area is large but sources disagree: some say 265 hectares, others say 517 hectares. It appears the boundaries were expanded after the official declaration.
At the heart of the park is the Cevdet Dundar Lake, with a cafe right beside it. A classic route is to sit in this lakeside cafe, have some tea, then go for a walk in the forest. Inside are 400-500 year old black pines; these ancient trees are the real highlight of the park. Hiking and cycling trails, camel rides, picnic tables, an amphitheater and a nature education center are also within the area.
A recurring theme in comments is maintenance issues. Some visitors mention that toilets and picnic areas are poorly maintained and trash isn't collected regularly. The same comments also note that the natural setting and hiking are enjoyable. Grilling is forbidden due to fire risk; only pre-made food picnics are allowed. Some comments mention you may encounter stray dogs in winter months.
Guide's Note
When to Visit?
Spring and summer are the best seasons for the park; the shade of black pines provides coolness on hot days. One comment mentions that in winter months, some stray dogs block the road and those afraid of dogs should be careful. It's open year-round but the area around the lake can get muddy on rainy days.
How to Get There?
From Yozgat center, follow Camlık Cd. via asphalt road, distance is approximately 5 km. Takes 10-15 minutes by private vehicle. For those using public transport, minibuses from the city center are an option, and it's also easily accessible by taxi.
How Much Time Should I Allocate?
2-4 hours is enough including hiking, a break by the lake and picnicking. Since the park is spread over a large area, those who want to see only a specific portion can spend less time. Those wanting to try all hiking trails can allocate half a day.
Good Photo Spots
Cevdet Dundar Lake and the surrounding forest landscape is the most preferred frame. The pathways passing through old black pines also offer a natural backdrop, especially in morning light. It's possible to take wide-angle landscape photos from the cafe terrace by the lake.
Things to Keep in Mind
Multiple comments mention that toilets and some picnic areas are poorly maintained, and trash isn't collected on time. This situation is more evident in areas beyond the parking lot. Grilling is strictly forbidden due to fire risk. You can bring your own food and have a cold picnic.
Park History and Features
Yozgat Camligi was designated as Turkey's first national park in 1958. The size of the area is mentioned with different figures in sources; some say 265 hectares, others say 517 hectares. This is likely due to boundary expansions made over time. The main value of the park is the 400-500 year old black pines within it. The area also has facilities such as a hotel, country restaurant, cafeteria, nature education center and amphitheater.
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