Deve Beach (Turkish: Deve Plajı), often called Camel Beach or Kargı Koyu, is a sandy cove on Turkey’s Bodrum Peninsula (Muğla Province, Aegean Region). It lies in the Ortakent‑Yahşi district of Bodrum and opens onto Kargı Bay. Behind the beach are pine-covered hills and citrus groves, giving Ortakent-Yahşi a rural village charm. Camel Beach is about 15–20 km by road from central Bodrum and its address is Ortakentyahşi, 48960 Bodrum/Muğla. It is managed as a private beach (özel plaj), not a free municipal beach.
The shoreline is wide and composed of very fine sand. Its water is exceptionally clear and calm. Local guides describe Camel Beach’s water as “crystal clear,” with visibility right to the sand. Even 100 m from shore, the depth is only about 1.7 m. Waves are generally mild, so the bay stays tranquil on most days. Visitors report virtually no rocks or seaweed in the sand, making wading easy. In sun the water turns bright turquoise to deep blue. The beach faces roughly west, so it gets strong afternoon sun and often a pretty sunset over the bay.
Camel Beach functions like a beach club with services. It rents şezlong (sunbeds) and şemsiye (umbrellas) to visitors. There are outdoor duş (showers) and soyunma kabinleri (changing cabins) on site. A few cafés and snack bars line the sand, offering meals and drinks (for a fee). A cankurtaran (lifeguard) is usually on duty during summer. A large otopark (parking lot) lies just behind the beach. As a result, an entrance fee is charged. One traveler reported a giriş ücreti (entry fee) of about 60 TL in 2018. Everything on site (food, drink, equipment) costs extra. These charges help keep the beach tidy, but some visitors complain the prices are high and mention occasional litter. In short, Camel Beach is not a ücretsiz halk plajı (free public beach) but an özel plaj (private beach) resort.
Access is straightforward. By car, follow the Bodrum–Yalıkavak (Turgutreis) road west, then turn off toward Ortakent-Yahşi/Kargı Koyu. The drive is roughly 15–20 minutes (about 16 km) from Bodrum city. Public transit: Dolmuş minibuses from Bodrum (routes 2-28, 2-4) run to Ortakent-Yahşi. The closest stop (“Kargı Cd”) is only about 80 m (a 3 min walk) from the beach. Boat access: Some daily cruises and water taxis from Bodrum Harbour include a stop at Camel Beach. Once there, a short boardwalk leads onto the sand. The listed contact for Camel Beach (for tickets or info) is +90 252 348 39 11. There is ample parking in season, though it may fill on busy summer days.
Summer season (June–August) brings the most visitors. The beach can be busy on weekends and afternoons. Arriving early or late avoids the heaviest crowds. By late summer the water is warm (mid-20 °C), while May or September see fewer people but slightly cooler water. The beach club’s facilities operate roughly June–mid-September; off-season the site is closed. Because of the entry fee, Camel Beach tends to attract local families and holiday-makers who value the amenities. (For context, nearby Ortakent Halk Plajı – a municipal beach – holds a Blue Flag but is larger and free.) Snorkelers will find only small fish (the bottom is mostly sand). Windsurfing and kitesurfing are limited by the calm bay. Stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking is easy on still days. Sun protection is important, as there is little natural shade on the sand and strong sun in summer. (For example, a 2020 visitor warned of sunburn risk in mid-day sun.)
Camel Beach is especially family-friendly. The gentle sand entry and shallow depth are ideal for children. Kids can wade far out safely. The sandy floor is comfortable underfoot with no hidden drop-offs. A lifeguard on duty adds safety. Aside from swimming and lounging, the beach’s novelty is the camel rides on the sand. Note that opinions of the camels vary – one visitor in 2020 described the camels as “poor, thin, dirty”, so parents may want to consider that. Overall the atmosphere is quiet and relaxed (no loud music or parties). There are basic changing facilities, but no special accessibility accommodations for disabled visitors. Dogs are generally not seen on this beach.
In context, Camel Beach is at the head of Kargı Koyu, the westernmost bay of Ortakent-Yahşi. The immediate area is low-lying and green. Ortakent village (with its shops and restaurants) lies a few kilometers east. The long public beach there (Ortakent Sahili) is Blue-Flag certified. Westward lies just open sea and eventually the town of Turgutreis (~6 km away). Across Kargı Bay is a small island (Tavşan Adası). For reference, Bodrum Municipality once organized a 6 km coast walk from Ortakent‑Yahşi Marina to Camel Beach, showing the area’s connected paths. No archaeological sites or protected nature parks are on Camel Beach itself. The nearest major Bodrum attractions (castle, ancient sites, marina) are ~10 km to the east.
Deve (Camel) Beach is a straightforward, calm sandy beach with very shallow blue water. It offers sunbeds, umbrellas, showers and food stands – everything for a comfortable day. It is not “wild” or free, but it’s clean and safe. Families and casual swimmers like it for the easy entry and amenities. The main downside is cost: entry and extras can be expensive, so compare with Bodrum’s free public beaches if budget is a concern. On a typical visit, plan 2–3 hours to swim and relax. Check the latest info (fees, hours) before going. With its shallow water and sandy shore, Camel Beach delivers a simple, family-friendly Bodrum beach experience – ideal for those who prioritize a calm swim and basic comforts over luxury or solitude.