Camel Beach, Bodrum
The verdict
- Best for: Families who want shallow, sandy swimming and a novelty the children will remember, all in an easy day trip from Bodrum town.
- Best spot: The shallow central sand for young children; the headland end of the bay for a quieter towel away from the camel area.
- Know this: The camels are the headline draw and the bay can feel busy and commercial in peak season, so an early start keeps it calmer.
Published 18 March 2026. Last reviewed 17 April 2026
Camel Beach takes its name from the camels that have long rested on the sand here, in the old Kargi cove just beyond Ortakent. It is a genuine novelty and the reason many families make the trip: children can meet the camels and take a short ride along the bay, which turns an ordinary beach day into something they remember. The setting helps too, a sheltered sandy cove tucked beneath a headland on the road between Bodrum and Gumusluk.
As a beach it earns its place on its own merits. The sand is soft, the water is shallow and clear with no rocks or weed underfoot, and the gentle slope into the sea is exactly what reassures parents of young swimmers. There is a full setup here, with sunbeds, a beach cafe and restaurant, watersports and parking, run as a managed beach rather than a wild stretch of sand, so expect paid sunbeds and a busy, organised feel in peak season.
It suits families above all, and anyone who likes the idea of a beach with a story. Who should skip it is the traveller after a quiet, natural cove, because the camels, the crowds and the commercial setup are all part of the package here. For powdery sand and far more calm, the sheltered cove at Bagla is a short drive south, while the smarter decks of Golturkbuku sit over on the northern side of the peninsula.
Clubs on this beach
Camel Beach is run as a managed beach with its own sunbeds, cafe and the resident camels. For other club options across the peninsula, see our Bodrum beach clubs directory.
Camel Beach managed beach
Camel Beach operates as a managed beach with sunbed and parasol hire, a beach cafe and restaurant, watersports and the resident camels. Exact prices and the camel ride arrangements vary by season and are to be confirmed. The public sand is free to use, with sunbeds and extras paid.
Camel rides along the sand
The short camel rides are the signature experience here and the reason the beach is named as it is. Availability, timing and any charge change by season and are to be confirmed, so ask on the day if the children have their hearts set on a ride.
Camel Beach lies in the Kargi cove just past Ortakent, around sixteen kilometres from Bodrum town on the road towards Turgutreis and Gumusluk. It is signposted from the main road, and a car is the easiest way to arrive; seasonal dolmus minibuses run along the route and stop within reach of the turning down to the bay.
There is parking by the beach, which is busy in high summer, and the descent to the sand is short. Bring sun cream, water and a hat, and a little cash for the sunbeds, the cafe and the camel rides, then settle in for an easy family day in shallow, sheltered water.
Reserve a day at Camel Beach
Tell us the date and party and we will match you to a club on or near Camel Beach and pass on your request. No charge to enquire.
Common questions
Why is it called Camel Beach?
The bay, in the old Kargi cove at Ortakent, takes its name from the camels that rest on the sand here. Short camel rides along the beach are offered in season and are the signature draw, turning a straightforward beach day into a novelty that families with children tend to remember.
Is Camel Beach good for young children?
Yes. The sand is soft and the water is shallow and clear with no rocks or weed underfoot, and the gentle slope into the sea reassures parents of young swimmers. Lifeguard cover is typical in summer, but follow the daily flags and keep watch near the water.
Is Camel Beach free?
The public sand is free to use. Sunbeds and parasols, the beach cafe and restaurant, watersports and the camel rides are all paid extras, as it is run as a managed beach rather than a wild stretch of sand. Exact prices vary by season and are to be confirmed.
How do you get to Camel Beach?
It sits about sixteen kilometres from Bodrum town on the road towards Turgutreis and Gumusluk, signposted from the main road near Ortakent. A car is easiest, with parking by the beach, and seasonal dolmus minibuses stop within reach of the turning down to the bay.
Is Camel Beach worth visiting?
For families, yes, both for the shallow sandy swimming and the novelty of the camels. If you are after a quiet, natural cove it is worth knowing the bay is managed, busy and commercial in peak season. For more calm and powdery sand, Bagla is a short drive south.
