2025 Forest Entry Bans and Things to Consider

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🌿 TurkeyOutdoor aims to raise environmental awareness through nature sports. While doing sports in nature, it adopts the principles of protecting the environment, respecting biodiversity and sustainability.

With the arrival of summer, rising temperatures and drought across Turkey are seriously increasing the risk of forest fires . For this reason, as in every year , forest entry bans have been put into effect in many provinces in 2025. These bans, which are implemented to both protect nature and keep individuals away from potential dangers, are of great concern to nature lovers, campers and mountain climbers.

In 2025, forest entry bans will be implemented in the above-mentioned provinces of Türkiye against the risk of forest fires. These bans will generally be in effect during the summer months and during periods when the risk of fire is high. It is of great importance for those who are planning a trip or are considering activities in forested areas to follow the current announcements made by the governorships of the relevant provinces and the General Directorate of Forestry.

Forest entry bans are generally seen to be concentrated between the end of May and the end of October or the beginning of June and the end of October throughout Turkey. This period coincides with the summer months when the risk of forest fires is highest throughout the country. In some provinces, such as Antalya, Balıkesir and İzmir, bans may be limited to certain forest areas, while in some provinces, such as Kırklareli, they cover all forest areas.

There are also different regulations for lighting fires in picnic and recreation areas depending on the province. While some provinces have a ban between certain hours, others have a complete ban. There may be some exceptions for certain groups such as staff, beekeepers, shepherds and authorized hunting tourism organizations. However, these exceptions are usually subject to special permission and notification conditions.

So what activities are covered by forest bans in 2025? Are hiking or camping allowed? Here are all the details ⬇️

The forest entry ban is a security measure taken by the governor's decision during periods of fire risk. It is generally applied between June 1 and October 31. Within the scope of this ban:

• Entry into the forests is completely prohibited.
• Barbecues, samovars, hookahs and all kinds of fiery activities are strictly prohibited.
• Setting up tents, camping and staying overnight may also be prohibited.

• 🌲 Campers
• 🥾 Hiking groups
• 🧗‍♂️ Mountaineers
• 🚵‍♀️ Cyclists
• 📷 Photographers
• 🎒 Bird watchers and nature enthusiasts

In short, anyone who wants to spend time in touch with nature should be very careful in prohibited areas .

Be sure to check the current forest ban decisions issued by the governor's office of the province you will be visiting. Bans vary by province.

Some nature parks and municipal camping areas may be exempt from the ban, but lighting fires is generally prohibited in these areas.

For group events such as club-based walks and mountaineering activities , prior permission may be required from the relevant institutions .

Whether it is a forest area or an open area, barbecues, campfires, samovars and even cigarettes may be prohibited.

Instead of restricted forests, choose safe areas such as plateaus , off-forest hiking trails , high-altitude clearings or municipal campsites .

• In 2025, serious sanctions will be imposed on those who violate the forest ban:
  • Administrative fines : Can reach thousands of TL.
  • Judicial penalties : Causing a forest fire may even result in imprisonment .
  • In case of detection , action is taken by the forestry directorates and the gendarmerie .

In many provinces where entry to forests was banned in 2024 due to fire risk, a similar forest ban is expected to be implemented in 2025. You can find these provinces with their ban dates in the table below:

⚠️ Note: These dates are estimated based on the governorships' 2024 practices. Do not forget to follow the governorship websites of each province for up-to-date decisions.

Protecting nature is not only possible by loving it. Everyone who truly loves it must obey the rules , respect the prohibitions and inform their surroundings.

🌿 Remember: One spark can be the end of thousands of trees. Be careful not only for your own safety; but also for birds, insects, trees and the entire ecosystem.

📣 Don't forget to inform your nature-loving friends who follow your blog about this!

To get detailed information about camping and caravaning and to see all our articles, you can visit our TurkeyOutdoor Camping Guide page.

Safety Precautions in Nature Sports and Outdoor Activities

• In all outdoor activities and nature sports, safety is your primary responsibility. No article or video can replace proper practical training and personal experience.
• Especially in outdoor extreme sports, you are primarily responsible for your own personal safety. Always prioritize your personal safety and the harmony and safety of the team you are with.
• In all cases, be on the side of nature , keep the environment clean, and never harm wild animals or the nature where wildlife lives.
• While exploring natural and historical beauties, you should pay attention to some important points for your holiday to be enjoyable and safe. Before your trip, do detailed research about the region you will go to , check the weather conditions and take appropriate clothes with you. Never damage natural, historical and touristic places. Do not leave your garbage in the places you go, take your garbage back to where you came from in bags as you brought it or throw it in a garbage container.
• If you are planning a nature trip, camping or outdoor activity, be sure to pack all the necessary equipment .
• In Turkey, there are frequent bans on entering forests and some protected areas, and administrative fines are imposed on those who do not comply. You should verify current forest entry bans from the provincial Regional Forestry Directorates.
• Technically, all outdoor activities in nature require prior permission. Our advice to our readers, campers, nature walkers and those who participate in all outdoor sports is to at least call the law enforcement authorities before starting the activity and inform them about the nature activity and routes they will be doing.
• Your opinions, thoughts, suggestions and requests regarding outdoor and nature are valuable to us. Feel free to write to us.

We wish you a pleasant and safe nature/outdoor adventure! 🚴‍♀️⛺🌳🌲🚵‍♂️🏞️🌿🌄