New Brighton State Beach Group Campground

Star4.45
137 reviews
1500 Park Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010

Quick Facts

144 ft

Price

$185/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

111 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
New Brighton State Beach Group Campground
$185.00 - $185.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Group site fees are $185 per night. Additional fees include $8.25 reservation fee per booking.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$185.00
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

viewsprivacycleanspacious

"Reviews are mixed, with positive highlights focusing on ocean views, spacious campsites, and proximity to Capitola Village. Common complaints include issues with the coin-operated showers and the steep slopes of certain campsites."

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Campground Map

1500 Park Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010

New Brighton State Beach Group Campground

1500 Park Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010

Driving directionsThe beach is located in Capitola, south of Santa Cruz. Take the New Brighton/Park Avenue exit off Highway One.
Accessible via paved roads. Located close to Highway One for easy access.
Nearby places
Capitola: 1 mile, Santa Cruz: 5 miles, Aptos: 3 miles
Nearby supplies
Grocery stores and supplies are available in Capitola, approximately 1 mile away.

Best Time to Camp at New Brighton State Beach Group Campground

Blessed with California's signature coastal climate, New Brighton enjoys refreshingly mild temperatures throughout the year, making any season the right season for camping. While summer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for beach activities and evening campfires, the shoulder seasons offer their own magic with fewer crowds and spectacular sunsets painting the sky in brilliant hues.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season with warm weather, ranger programs and positive summer reviews; busy but vibrant.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Mild coastal climate and fewer crowds make fall appealing for visits.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Mild temperatures and beach access make spring a very good season for visits.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round; quieter but subject to inclement weather per reviews.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Memorial Day to Labor Day is the peak season.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round for reservations.
  • Current Alerts: No current active alerts as of the latest check on 12/13/2024.

About New Brighton State Beach Group Campground

Nestled in peaceful groves of towering Monterey cypress trees on the southern end of New Brighton State Beach, the Group Campground offers adventure-seekers and families alike a serene forest retreat with easy access to stunning coastal adventures. Each generously-sized campsite accommodates up to 25 people, creating the perfect backdrop for unforgettable reunions, celebrations, and group adventures where the gentle whisper of wind through ancient cypress provides nature's soundtrack while the sound of crashing waves beckons from a short, scenic walk to the dramatic bluffs overlooking Monterey Bay.
The campground accommodates group camping with three designated sites nestled in groves of Monterey cypress trees on the southern end of the campground. While the group sites themselves are beautifully shaded by the forest canopy, they are just a short walk from the dramatic bluffs that offer spectacular ocean views and access to the trail leading down to the beach below.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Food storage lockers

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers activities such as hiking, beach walking, fishing, and group programs. The proximity to Capitola Village allows for additional recreational options.
HikingTrails are available for hiking, including paths leading to the beach. 'Bring your bikes! We rode down into Capitola Village a few times to get dinner and just hang out.'
FishingFishing is permitted at the beach and does not require a license from the pier. Common fish include sole, flounder, mackerel, and halibut.
SwimmingThe protected pocket beach is suitable for swimming, although user reviews suggest water quality might be less than ideal in certain conditions.
BikingBike riding is a popular activity among visitors, with trails suitable for families and access to nearby villages.
Wildlife viewingOpportunities to view marine life such as sea lions, pelicans, and dolphins are abundant.
Beach activitiesActivities include sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing. Fires are allowed seasonally in state-provided rings.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCoastal erosion along bluffs. Poison oak present on trails.
Active AlertsNo current active alerts as of the latest check on 12/13/2024.
Food Storage RequiredFood lockers available at group sites, suitable for bear-safe storage.

Weather at New Brighton State Beach Group Campground

Reviews

4.5
137 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
New Brighton State Beach Group Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews are mixed, with positive highlights focusing on ocean views, spacious campsites, and proximity to Capitola Village. Common complaints include issues with the coin-operated showers and the steep slopes of certain campsites.
Review Summaries
Based on 137 reviews

What Campers Love

Spacious campsites with privacy at premium locations, breathtaking ocean views, clean facilities, and engaging ranger-led programs. 'The oceanfront sights are the best as they are huge and can...
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Based on 137 reviews

Common Concerns

Coin-operated showers and lack of change availability, steep or uneven campsite slopes, freeway noise at certain locations, and outdated facilities. 'Our site was on a very steep slope and we had a...
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Based on 137 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring quarters for showers, check site slopes before booking, and book premium sites for better views and privacy. 'Be sure to try AJs Market up the street and Brusters Ice Cream by the Safeway.'
Based on 137 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Positive reviews during summer highlight the beauty of the ocean views and engaging ranger programs. Winter reviews mention potential for inclement weather and quieter camping conditions.
Based on 137 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Kids rode bikes around with no problems and plenty of other kids.' 'Bring your bikes! We rode down into Capitola Village a few times to get dinner and just hang out.' 'The oceanfront sights are the...
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Based on 137 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Premium sites with ocean views, such as #88, are highly recommended. Site-specific complaints focused on steep slopes and lack of privacy at some standard sites.
Based on 137 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible campsites (#27, #77, #80, #95, and #107) include electricity and water hookups. Restrooms and showers are ADA-compliant. Beach wheelchairs are available.
Based on 137 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed but must be leashed. Some reviews appreciate the pet-friendly policy. 'Dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet and under human control at all times.'
Based on 137 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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