New Brighton State Beach Campground

4.45

137 reviews

1500 Park Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010

Quick Facts

138 ft

Price

$35 - $100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

111 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

138 ft

Price

$35 - $100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

111 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

New Brighton State Beach Campground

$35.00 - $100.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees include $35 for standard campsites, $50 for bus parking (10-24 passengers), $100 for bus parking (25+ passengers), and $10 for vehicle day-use....

Standard Site Fee$35.00

Hookup Site Fee$35.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Reserve California

Provider

(831) 464-6329SCD.specialevents@parks.ca.gov

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What Campers Say

4.45

Recommended

Based on 137 reviews

44 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietcleanlocation

Some mention

noise

"User reviews are mixed, with positive highlights focusing on the oceanfront views, spacious campsites, and proximity to local attractions like Capitola Village. Complaints often mention noise from nearby roads, outdated facilities, and issues with shower access."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1500 Park Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010

New Brighton State Beach Campground

1500 Park Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010

Driving directionsThe campground is accessible by taking the New Brighton/Park Avenue exit off Highway One.

The roads leading to the campground are paved and easily accessible. Seasonal closures may occur during the fall/winter due to inclement weather.

Nearby places

Capitola (1 mile, 5 minutes), Santa Cruz (6.5 miles, 15 minutes), Watsonville (15 miles, 25 minutes)

Nearby supplies

AJ's Market (0.5 miles, 3 minutes), Safeway (1 mile, 5 minutes), and several stores in Capitola Village.

Best Time to Camp at New Brighton State Beach Campground

New Brighton's coastal climate offers a refreshing escape year-round, where ocean breezes keep summer days comfortable and winter remains surprisingly mild. Even in the coldest months, temperatures rarely dip below 41°F, creating perfect conditions for beach walks and campfire conversations. Summer transforms the coastline into a sun-drenched playground with warm, dry days ideal for swimming and sandcastle building. While morning fog occasionally rolls in to kiss the cliffs, you'll enjoy brilliant blue skies an impressive 63% of the time—making every sunset from your blufftop campsite a potential masterpiece.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 14% in CA

Peak season: warm days, ranger programs, and active beach use make summer excellent.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Mild coastal weather but potential closures and fewer programs reduce peak appeal.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Generally pleasant spring weather and active wildlife migration; good for hiking and beach visits.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Mild winters but reviews note inclement weather, possible closures, and reduced services.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Memorial Day to Labor Day.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round, but the fall/winter season may cause closures due to inclement weather.
Current Alerts: Accessibility may be restricted during fall/winter due to weather-related closures.

About New Brighton State Beach Campground

Perched dramatically on coastal bluffs above the sparkling waters of Monterey Bay, New Brighton State Beach Campground invites you to wake up to ocean breezes and the sound of crashing waves. With over 100 thoughtfully positioned campsites—including 11 full-service RV hookup sites—this beloved destination combines the rugged beauty of California's coastline with modern amenities. A welcoming visitor center serves as your gateway to adventure, while the communal campfire area beckons for evening gatherings under starlit skies. Accessible facilities ensure everyone can enjoy this slice of paradise, and wooden stairs lead directly from your clifftop perch to pristine sandy beaches below.

New Brighton State Beach Campground provides diverse camping options, including tent sites, RV sites, and premium oceanfront locations. Group camping is available for larger parties.

Historical SignificanceLong before it became a cherished state beach, this stunning coastline harbored rich stories of resilience and community. For thousands of years, the Ohlone people called these shores home, living in harmony with the abundant marine life and coastal resources. In the 19th century, the area earned the name 'China Beach' as industrious Chinese fishing families established a thriving village here, their boats dotting the bay as they harvested the ocean's bounty. Today, interpretive signs throughout the campground honor these diverse cultural legacies, inviting visitors to connect with the generations who found sustenance and sanctuary along these timeless shores.

Weather and SeasonsNew Brighton's coastal climate offers a refreshing escape year-round, where ocean breezes keep summer days comfortable and winter remains surprisingly mild. Even in the coldest months, temperatures rarely dip below 41°F, creating perfect conditions for beach walks and campfire conversations. Summer transforms the coastline into a sun-drenched playground with warm, dry days ideal for swimming and sandcastle building. While morning fog occasionally rolls in to kiss the cliffs, you'll enjoy brilliant blue skies an impressive 63% of the time—making every sunset from your blufftop campsite a potential masterpiece.

ElevationYour camping adventure unfolds at the perfect intersection of land and sea, where sea-level camping means you're never more than a few steps from sand between your toes. The campground's unique position atop coastal bluffs provides the best of both worlds—elevated vistas for breathtaking ocean panoramas while maintaining easy access to the beach below for those spontaneous midnight strolls or early morning surf sessions.

Natural Features and SceneryNature puts on a spectacular show at New Brighton, where towering Monterey pines and cypress trees frame your campsite while filtering golden sunlight through their branches. The dramatic sandstone cliffs tell ancient geological stories in their weathered faces, while below, pristine sandy beaches stretch invitingly in both directions. Keep your binoculars handy—playful dolphins often surf the waves just offshore, sea lions bask on nearby rocks, and during migration seasons, the skies come alive with elegant formations of pelicans, cormorants, and other seabirds. Each campsite offers its own natural amphitheater where the Pacific Ocean performs its eternal symphony.

Geological RegionNestled within the magnificent Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, New Brighton showcases California's stunning coastal geology at its finest. The campground's forested bluffs reveal millions of years of Earth's history in their sandstone layers, while below, the sanctuary's protected waters teem with marine life in one of the world's most diverse underwater ecosystems. These ancient cliffs, carved by countless tides and storms, create a dramatic backdrop for your camping experience while providing shelter from coastal winds and framing unforgettable views of one of California's most pristine stretches of coastline.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum occupancy per campsite is eight people.

Groups

Group sites accommodate larger parties, but specific details on capacity or amenities are not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground is divided into loops with over 100 campsites, including accessible, hookup, and premium bluff-top sites.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at www.parks.ca.gov or by calling (800) 444-7275.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is limited. Sites are often fully booked online, especially during peak season.

Cancellation PolicyRefunds for unused days are possible for early checkout, but must be coordinated at the entrance station.

AccessibilityAccessible features include beach wheelchairs, ADA-compliant restroom and shower facilities, and designated accessible campsites such as #27, #55, #77, #80, #95, and #107. Accessible site #55 includes electricity and water hookups.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size but generally accommodate one RV or trailer and up to eight people. Pad lengths range from 24 to 27 feet.

PrivacyUser reviews indicate limited privacy between campsites, with exceptions for premium oceanfront sites which are larger and more secluded.

Total Campsites111 campsites

Recommended SitesSites #88 and #73 feature exceptional ocean views. Lower numbered sites near the road may experience noise.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Activities at New Brighton State Beach include hiking, swimming, fishing, and beachcombing. Official sources mention ranger-led programs, geocaching, and Pacific wildlife migration exhibits in the visitor center during summer. User reviews highlight biking opportunities and oceanfront views.

HikingHiking trails are available, offering bluff-top views of Monterey Bay. User reviews suggest trails are well-maintained and suitable for family outings.

FishingFishing is permitted without a license from the pier, but Department of Fish and Wildlife limits apply. Common catches include rock crabs and other local species.

SwimmingSwimming is available in warm months and is popular among families. The beach includes a sandy shore ideal for aquatic activities.

BikingUser reviews highly recommend biking, particularly trips to Capitola Village. Trails accommodate casual and family biking.

Wildlife viewingThe area is rich in wildlife, including sea lions, dolphins, and migrating whales. Bird watchers may spot pelicans and cormorants.

Beach activitiesBeach activities include sunbathing, beachcombing, and walking along the sandy shore. Seasonal beach bonfires are available in state-provided fire rings.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsStorm recovery remains a challenge due to damage caused by the 2023 winter storms. Sandstone cliffs are unstable, and climbing is prohibited.

Active AlertsAccessibility may be restricted during fall/winter due to weather-related closures.

Food Storage RequiredFood lockers are standard at each campsite to protect wildlife and provide convenience.

Fire PolicyFires must be contained in state-provided fire rings. Beach fires are seasonally permitted in designated rings.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are from 10 PM to 6 AM. Generators can only be used from 10 AM to 8 PM.

Emergency ServicesSanta Cruz Medical Foundation, 6.8 miles (15 minutes); Capitola Police Department, 1.5 miles (5 minutes); Ranger Station within park.

Trash & RecyclingDetails about trash and recycling facilities are not specifically provided, but standard services are assumed based on the campground description.

Water FeaturesDirect access to Monterey Bay and sandy beach areas. Trails lead down from the bluffs to the shore.

Camp HostCamp hosts are available on-site and sell firewood. Hosts may also assist with accessibility services such as beach wheelchairs.

Weather at New Brighton State Beach Campground

Reviews

4.5

137 reviews

Recommended

New Brighton State Beach Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are mixed, with positive highlights focusing on the oceanfront views, spacious campsites, and proximity to local attractions like Capitola Village. Complaints often mention noise from nearby roads, outdated facilities, and issues with shower access.

Review Summaries

Based on 137 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers appreciate the beautiful ocean views, quiet atmosphere (depending on location), and accessibility to biking and hiking trails. Some campers praised the ranger-led programs and overall...

Based on 137 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback highlights steep or uneven site terrain, freeway noise, and inconvenience with coin-operated shower facilities. Some reviewers criticized the lack of privacy at standard campsites...

Based on 137 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bikes for local excursions and quarters for showers. Premium oceanfront sites are recommended for privacy and views. Early booking is advised due to high demand.

Based on 137 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Positive reviews often mention the warm summer weather and ranger-led programs, while winter reviews include complaints about inclimate weather and potential park closures.

Based on 137 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Our site had fire pit, picnic table and food locker, all in good condition." (Christian Nuñez Alvarez) "Bring your bikes! We rode down into Capitola Village a few times to get dinner and just hang...

Based on 137 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Best campsites include #20, #21, #22, #23, #59, #70, #73, #75, #76, #78, #79, #82, #87, and #88 for views and space. Some sites, such as #73, offer direct bluff-top ocean views.

Based on 137 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible campsites like #55 are praised for their electricity and water hookups. Accessible restrooms and showers are available, and beach wheelchairs can be borrowed.

Based on 137 reviews