Camping Overview

At New Brighton State Beach, the camping area is perched on a bluff, offering magnificent views of northern Monterey Bay. While it’s not directly on the beach, it is close enough for a convenient stroll to the shore.

New Brighton boasts the most ocean-view campsites in the Santa Cruz area. Although many campers appreciate the scenic beauty, the sites tend to be a bit compact, making it essential to hope for friendly and considerate neighbors. Consequently, if personal space is a priority for you, it might be wise to choose another campsite.

Common activities at New Brighton include beach play, swimming, and fishing. Locals frequently visit New Brighton Beach to enjoy the waves, walk their dogs, or indulge in fishing. While the surroundings can feel remote at night, they are lively with visitors during the day.

Camping Facilities

New Brighton has over 100 campsites suitable for RVs and trailers measuring up to 36 feet, and several sites come equipped with hookups. Tent camping is also permitted.

• Sites 1-34 and 67-90 feature trees providing shade and stunning ocean views.
• Site #73, located on the edge of the bluff, offers exceptional views and a more secluded ambiance.
• Premium sites, including 73, 75, 76, 78, 79, 82, 87, 88, and 90, charge a higher fee due to their features.
• Other sites are in sunny, open areas, perfect for sunbathing.

Facilities include restrooms and pay showers. Some campsites also have hookups available for an additional fee. A dump station is conveniently located within the campground.

Each campsite is equipped with picnic tables, food storage lockers, and fire rings; fires are permitted only in designated areas. Firewood is available for purchase from the campground host.

If you’re in the mood for a change of scenery, you are only a mile away from Capitola, offering opportunities for shopping, dining, or simply watching the surfers at play.

What You Need to Know Before You Go

• Familiarize yourself with California state park reservations.
• Before reserving a site, review the campground map carefully. When choosing your site, consider its location and foot traffic, particularly routes to restrooms.
• Fees cover park entry for a single vehicle and one legally towed vehicle or trailer. Additional vehicles incur extra fees.
• Each campsite can accommodate up to 8 people.
• Don’t forget to bring quarters if you plan on using the pay showers.
• New Brighton offers a beautiful beach for most of the year; however, seasonal vegetation and flies can occasionally detract from the experience, especially in summer.
• Some campers have noted that noise levels at night can be high, particularly from nearby children.
• Generators are not permitted during quiet hours at night.
• Premium campsites tend to be sunny; therefore, consider bringing a portable canopy for comfort.
• Be aware of poison oak in the vicinity; if you’re unfamiliar, ask a ranger for identification.
• Dogs are welcome on leashes no longer than six feet and must be kept under control at all times. At night, they should be confined to a vehicle or tent.

How to Get There

New Brighton is located south of Santa Cruz. To reach the campsite, exit CA Hwy 1 at Exit #436 – Park Avenue, near Capitola, which is approximately 4 miles south of Santa Cruz. Follow the posted signs to the beach.