The forested Borabay Lake near Taşova offers a tranquil base for camping, lakeside picnics and gentle paddling on the calm water. Bungalows, tent pitches and seasonal canoe and pedalo hire sit among beech and pine woods well away from the city, making it the province's main outdoor lake retreat.
Borabay Lake Nature Park (Borabay Gölü Tabiat Parkı) sits inside a beech and pine forest near the village of Boraboy in Taşova district, about 80 kilometres northeast of Amasya city. The small natural lake — roughly 675 metres long and fed by forest springs — lies at an altitude of around 650 metres above sea level and remains noticeably cooler than the lowland city even at the height of summer, making it a popular weekend escape for residents of Amasya and neighbouring Samsun.
The lake is calm, shallow along its margins and spring-fed, which means the water is clear enough to see the bottom across most of the accessible shoreline. Seasonal canoe and pedalo hire operates from the main park facility area, allowing visitors to paddle the lake's full length in under an hour. The forested slopes that drop directly to the water on three sides and the absence of motorised boats create a tranquil paddling environment unusual in a park of this modest size. The activity is genuinely easy: no current, no tides and no significant wind fetch mean that participants with no prior paddling experience can manage the full lake circuit without assistance.
The nature park operates designated tent camping areas and a number of simple wooden bungalows for overnight stays. Bungalow bookings are managed through the Turkish Forestry Administration (Orman İşletmesi) booking system and are advisable well in advance for summer weekends, when demand from Samsun and Amasya significantly exceeds supply. Camping areas require basic kit — sleeping bag, mat and a three-season tent appropriate for cool nights even in August, when temperatures at altitude can drop to 10–12°C after midnight.
Facilities at the park include basic toilet and shower blocks, a small refreshment kiosk open in peak season and picnic areas along the lakeshore. Firewood collection is prohibited within the nature park boundary. Visitors must carry in food supplies from Taşova town or from shops in Amasya, as no full catering is available at the park.
Borabay Lake is the primary outdoor lake-recreation destination in Amasya province and offers a clear contrast to the urban heritage experience of the city itself, combining mild physical activity with forest immersion and wildlife observation in a managed but lightly developed natural setting.
Activity facts
- Where
- Borabay Lake Nature Park, Taşova district, Amasya province
- Duration
- Half-day to overnight camping
Equipment
- Tent and camping kit (or book a bungalow)
- Canoe or pedalo (seasonal hire)
- Warm layers for cool nights
- Insect repellent
- Food and water supplies
Location
Borabay Gölü Tabiat Parkı, Boraboy, 05500 Taşova, Amasya, Turkey
40.8036, 36.1536 View on map
Highlights
- Crystal-clear spring-fed mountain lake at 650 m altitude surrounded by beech and pine forest
- Seasonal canoe and pedalo hire allows paddling the full 675-metre lake in a peaceful, motorboat-free setting
- Wooden bungalows and tent pitches managed by the Turkish Forestry Administration within the nature park
- Noticeably cooler than lowland Amasya — a popular summer escape from city heat
- Wildlife-rich forest setting with excellent birdwatching from the lakeshore
Tips for visiting
- Book bungalows through the Orman İşletmesi reservation system well in advance — summer weekends fill quickly from Samsun and Amasya.
- Pack a sleeping bag rated to at least 10°C even in July and August; lake-altitude nights turn cold after midnight.
- Bring all food supplies from Taşova town or Amasya — the park kiosk is limited and may not be open outside peak weekends.
- Insect repellent is essential from May through September; the forest edge and lake margin generate significant mosquito activity at dawn and dusk.
- Arrive on Friday afternoon rather than Saturday morning to secure a good campsite and beat the weekend crowds.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Borabay Lake from Amasya city?
Borabay Lake is approximately 80 km northeast of central Amasya by road, roughly one hour's drive via Taşova. Public transport options are limited; most visitors travel by private car or taxi.
Is swimming in the lake permitted?
Swimming is generally permitted in the designated lake-margin areas. The water is clean and clear, though it remains cold even in summer given the spring-fed supply and altitude.
Do I need to pre-book camping or can I just arrive?
Tent pitches can usually be taken on a walk-in basis outside peak season, but bungalow accommodation requires advance booking through the Orman İşletmesi system. On summer weekends both fill rapidly.
Are canoes available to hire or do I need to bring my own?
Seasonal canoe and pedalo hire operates from the main park facility area, typically May through September. Outside this window, visitors wishing to paddle need to bring their own craft.