Wilbur P.
Traveler
TravelerNew Brighton State Beach Campground
Seaside camping in a forested camp.
Nice level sites, not too close together….nice trees provide shade. Excellent beach for strolling. A dump station with potable water is $10.
Camping near Capitola, CA
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Campgrounds near Capitola, California range from beachfront state parks to redwood forest campgrounds within a short drive of the coast. Within a 20-mile radius, campers can find options including Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, and Sunset State Beach—offering tent sites, RV hookups, and in some cases, cabin accommodations. New Brighton State Beach Campground sits on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, providing direct beach access alongside developed camping amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and restrooms, with several locations featuring full hookup options for recreational vehicles.
Reservations are essential for most campgrounds in the Capitola area, particularly during summer months when beach and forest sites fill quickly. "We rarely make reservations to camp in California Beach Parks, as they are usually filled up weeks or even months in advance," noted one camper about coastal camping in the region. Most state parks like New Brighton and Sunset State Beach accept reservations up to six months in advance through ReserveCalifornia. Weather conditions remain mild year-round, though coastal fog and cooler temperatures are common, especially during summer mornings. Campers should prepare for nighttime temperatures that can drop significantly, even during summer months. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, with some coverage limitations in more remote redwood locations.
The campgrounds surrounding Capitola offer distinct experiences depending on their location. Beachfront sites provide direct ocean access with many campers highlighting the sound of waves as a nighttime highlight. A visitor to New Brighton State Beach mentioned, "The campsite is at a great location. You are right near the beach as well as close to grocery stores and restaurants." Inland campgrounds in the redwoods offer cooler temperatures and shade, popular during hot summer months. Many campsites serve as convenient bases for exploring nearby attractions, including downtown Capitola, Santa Cruz, and numerous hiking trails throughout the Santa Cruz Mountains. Facilities vary widely, from primitive walk-in sites at some state parks to full-service RV resorts with electrical hookups, showers, and dump stations.
Best Campgrounds near Capitola (123)
1. New Brighton State Beach Campground
"Dump station is no longer free; all California State Parks are charging $10 to dump now, even for campers. You pay at the dump site with a credit card."
"Sweet lil spot right outside Capitola came in on a Monday night and all the premium sites were booked. Direct access to the beach. Showers kinda meh but the rest made up for it!"
from $35 - $185 / night
Check Availability2. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground
"This is a nice campground in a great part of California with lots of hiking and beaches nearby. The bathrooms were clean and well kept."
"There were bigger sites that would've suited us better but it was a nice little tucked in site. The poison oak is prolific. Our site was literally surrounded by it."
from $7 - $35 / night
Check Availability3. Sunset State Beach
"Dogs can be allowed on beach if you go to the right of the main entrance. No dogs to the left. Camp sites vary but the best loop is South Loop. Some with ocean views but those are hard to reserve. "
"Strawberry fields surround the campground and are next to the Hike and Bike area. The walk is not too difficult down to the beach."
4. Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort
"They are a bit narrow, so much of the camp side you will have a close look at your neighbors utilities. When the park is full, it is close. Go on weekdays, not as busy and more room is likely."
"Do not take highway 9 from Santa Cruz as the RV park will tell you. Our car navigation changed our route even after we were approaching 17 north. Keep your eyes out for the highway signs."
5. Mount Madonna County Park
"Great spot if you're looking for a quick escape from the Bay Area with that classic California redwood experience."
"We were happy to have the electric hook up since the redwood and oak tress surrounding all the sites are huge and block out the sun."
6. Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday
"I would recommend booking away from the jump pillow or playground, unless easy playground access is important, because the spots are pretty noisy."
"There is also relatively quick access to Santa Cruz to the north and Monterey to the south. My only criticism is that it is not that woodsy. But hey, this is a KOA!"
7. Cotillion Gardens RV Park
"Entrance is a little nerve racking on your first visit, but once your at your site you can relax. Bathrooms are a little dated, no cell service but good WiFi if your close to the office."
"The place is old, but it has a great location. There are great hiking trails assessable from the campground."
from $60 - $100 / night
Check Availability8. Moss Landing KOA Express
"Park is well maintained easy access to sites several cool places to eat close by"
"Situated off highway 1 and surrounded by the marina is very appealing for us. Reservations were made over the phone with Liz. She did a nice job of getting us in for the following day."
from $69 - $80 / night
Check Availability9. Lower Blooms Creek — Big Basin Redwoods State Park — CAMPGROUND CLOSED
"Not far from the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area in California. When you arrive it's like stepping in to a whole other world. Huge redwoods blanket the mountain and line every site."
"So sad the devastation of last month's fires on the oldest state park in California, home to thr biggest redwoods south of San Francisco."
from $35 / night
Check Availability10. Manresa State Beach Campground
"Short walk from parking to camp sites. Clean bathrooms. Water spigot at many sites, Wi-Fi is pretty variable at different place around the campsites."
"Beautiful views of the ocean just steps from your tent. During the summer months, whales and dolphins can be seen cruising through the ocean around sunset."
from $35 / night
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Drive Time
- 3 min from Santa Cruz, CA
- 33 min from Salinas, CA
- 38 min from San Jose, CA
- 1 hr 50 min from Modesto, CA
Recent Camping Photos near Capitola, CA
228 Photos of 123 Capitola Campgrounds
Alma L.
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susan R.
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Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort
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Sunset State Beach
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Van Life Campgrounds @ Enchanted Forest
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Sunset State Beach Campground
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The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - Integrity Canvas Tent
Recent Reviews near Capitola, CA
820 Reviews of 123 Capitola Campgrounds
- AAsma B.Traveler
Enchanted Forest Mountain Redwood Retreat
Refund promise not done
Jessica helped as to reserve the site 10a but when we went there it was so hard to access the site with our car .so we did call her and explain the situation she proposed a refund .we left the area waiting for the promised refund we called her the same night she didn’t answer and she send a message saying she will refund the day after .we called her the day after she said I will do when I get internet after that she said because of your behavior (calling her and asking for our money) she said I will not refund and go to the police
- DDan V.
GuideHalf Moon Bay RV Park
Clean and quiet
Reservations and check-in were very easy. Stay at site 5 and and site 4 was right next us. Their house door was face our house door (see picture) and very little privacy. Otherwise, it is a very nice campground and everyone we met were so friendly. Their house door bathrooms and laundry room were very clean.
- EEmma B.Traveler
Moss Landing KOA Express
Good location and clean
Stayed here for one night and enjoyed it! I liked being close to the beach and walking distance from food. There is a store onsite with essentials. Could hear the sea lions barking and birds all night, so cool.
There is absolutely no privacy and spaces are close together, which I knew ahead of time.
KNL T.
ScoutMoss Landing KOA Express
Quick and Quiet and Clean
Wonderful staff and close to go explore. The road we took to come in was a painful to traffic to make a left on hey 1 but other than that it was easy and staff was absolutely wonderful.
- MMichaelScout
Carmel by the River RV Park
It's good but
Very nice, quiet spots but since it's called Carmel by the River you would expect it to have a river... Also no laundry and an unpleasant and narrow entrance definitely take this down a few stars
James W.GuideRiverside Campground & Cabins
A river runs through it
This was an interesting place. It's nestled near a river, with small, dirt sites. The restrooms and showers were very dated (we decided not to shower. It was a little more expensive than I'd like to have paid for what we got.
- NNicole C.Traveler
Veteran's Memorial Park Campground
Quiet campground near downtown Monterey
I got here on a weekday and had no issue getting a tent site. It seemed that less than half the spots were claimed. FYI, it is self-registration so bring cash/check. There appeared to be a park ranger on site.
This is a scenic spot with a 1.4 mi walking trail to downtown Monterey. Shower/restroom facilites are clean. I would come here again.
- AAllen R.Traveler
Alameda County Fairgrounds campground
Alameda County Fairgrounds campground
The least expensive sites are very close to neighboring campers. Although drive through site and premium site have more space as price for site increases. We'll kept and convenient to Bay Area. Very nice and helpful staff.
Guide to Capitola
Camping spots near Capitola, California range from redwood-shaded tent sites to coastal RV parks within a 20-mile radius. The area sits at the northern edge of Monterey Bay where coastal fog often creates dramatic temperature drops of 20-30 degrees between daytime and evening hours. Camping facilities are typically busiest from May through September when water temperatures in Monterey Bay reach their annual peak of 58-62°F.
What to do
Hiking through redwood groves: Trails through ancient forests are accessible at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground. "We stayed here while visiting family in Felton, we are from Michigan. Was such a awesome place to camp. Clean, and quite. Plenty of hiking trails," notes Nona A. The park provides convenient access to both forest and nearby town amenities.
Beach exploration: The coastline offers various beach activities with access points at multiple campgrounds. "The beach had plenty of litter and even a decaying seal which was a little unpleasant," reported Hattie R. about New Brighton State Beach, highlighting the sometimes raw nature of coastal exploration. Beach conditions vary seasonally with tides and recent weather patterns.
Visit nearby attractions: Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort serves as a strategic base for exploring regional points of interest. "Short distance drive to Santa Cruz wharf and boardwalk," mentions one reviewer. The resort positions campers between forest and coastal attractions with typical driving times of 10-20 minutes to popular destinations.
Kayaking opportunities: Water activities are readily available, particularly in protected inlets. "Easy walk into the marina area or onto the beach," reports Patrick J. about Moss Landing KOA Express, noting the convenient water access. Many campgrounds offer equipment rentals or are situated near kayak launch points for exploring the protected waters.
What campers like
Proximity to beaches: Sunset State Beach earns praise for its coastal setting. "You can walk down to the beach, take a trip to the henry cowel redwoods, go ride bikes in santa cruz. We have so much fun," shares Tiffany W. The beach access requires a moderate walk from most campsites, with distances varying from 5-15 minutes depending on your specific site location.
Privacy between sites: While site spacing varies, some campgrounds offer more separation. "The sites were quite large and had the needed amenities. The shower had hot water and the restrooms were cleaned each morning," notes Fiona W. about Manresa State Beach Campground. Privacy levels differ significantly between weekday and weekend occupancy periods.
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness receives consistent mention at Mount Madonna County Park. "Absolutely soo clean and a great place to camp without having to travel so far. Bathrooms are constantly cleaned and showers are free and clean," states carolina M. Most campgrounds provide showers, though some require quarters for operation.
Variety of camping options: From tent sites to cabins, the area offers multiple accommodation styles. "We stayed in one of the airstreams they have for rent there. The family loved it- it was the perfect size for us and everything worked and the outdoor patio had heavy duty tables and chairs along with fire pit and even a Weber grill," shares jay about Santa Cruz KOA.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most popular sites book well in advance, especially during summer. "Hard to find a spot here these days but a great camping spot above the beach," observes Willow M. about New Brighton State Beach. Peak season typically requires reservations 3-6 months ahead, particularly for weekend stays.
Weather patterns: Coastal fog and temperature fluctuations affect camping comfort. "It is a lot colder here than on the valley floor. Prepare for it to be 40deg colder than Gilroy or San Jose," warns April N. about Mount Madonna County Park. Pack layers regardless of season as temperatures can drop significantly after sunset.
Wildlife encounters: Local wildlife regularly visits campgrounds. "We suffered the consequences when we awoke to a family of raccoons raiding the box," shares Austin C. about Sunset State Beach. Food storage requirements are strictly enforced at most campgrounds, with bear boxes provided at many locations.
Site sizes and spacing: Campground layouts vary widely in the region. "The sites are close together. The place is old, but it has a great location," notes Linda S. about Cotillion Gardens RV Park. Site dimensions range from compact spaces under 25 feet to more spacious options exceeding 40 feet at select locations.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and recreation: Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday offers numerous family-friendly amenities. "TONS of activities on site- huge bouncy pad, a climbing wall, ping pong tables, a swimming pool, pedal go karts, the list goes on and on," reports Daniel D. These activities typically operate from 9 AM to 9 PM daily.
Beach accessibility: Consider beach approach when camping with children. "It's a walk to the beach from the campground. I've been camping here for 20 years," explains Carl N. about Sunset State Beach. Some beach access points involve stairs or steep paths that may challenge families with very young children or mobility concerns.
Noise considerations: Campground quietness varies substantially. "We stayed here in our TT in March 2018 for spring break. It's a nice relatively quiet campground on a bluff, above a fairly calm ocean beach," shares Keith B. about New Brighton State Beach Campground. Weekends generally feature more family activity and associated noise than midweek stays.
Safety features: Campground security measures provide peace of mind for families. "Security guy was awesome, kind, friendly, helpful! We arrived at 11:30 pm - exhausted, with no reservation, asking for a tent site. No problem! He quickly got us registered and put us in a site with empty sites on each side of ours," notes Barb K. about Santa Cruz KOA.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: RV campers should prepare for potentially uneven sites. "Our paved site was decently unlevel," mentions Hattie R. about New Brighton State Beach. Many experienced RVers recommend bringing leveling blocks regardless of campground descriptions.
Hookup locations: Some campgrounds have inconvenient utility placement. "I had to use a 6 foot extension on the sewer hose. Shore chord was fine as was the water spigot," notes Patrick J. about Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort. Extension cords and longer hoses prove useful at several area campgrounds.
Dump station access: Plan for potential wait times when using dump facilities. "The line for the dump station wound through nearly the entire park," warns Alma L. about New Brighton State Beach. Some RVers recommend using facilities during off-peak times (weekdays or early mornings) to avoid lengthy waits.
Site size limitations: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger rigs. "Sites can get a bit tight, but there are definitely some gems hidden in the redwoods," advises Tim & Cleo D. about Cotillion Gardens RV Park. RVs exceeding 35 feet may find limited options, particularly at older state park campgrounds in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find camping in Capitola?
Where can I find camping in Capitola?
The best camping option near Capitola is New Brighton State Beach Campground, located just outside town. This popular campground offers spacious sites, some on cliff edges with ocean views, and direct beach access. Sites are reservable but book up quickly, often requiring advance planning. For those seeking alternatives, Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort near Felton provides additional accommodations within driving distance of Capitola. The area's camping options tend to fill quickly during peak seasons, so early reservations are highly recommended.
Are there campgrounds near Capitola Beach?
Are there campgrounds near Capitola Beach?
Yes, there are excellent camping options near Capitola Beach. Sunset State Beach offers camping with easy access to shoreline areas. For those looking for closer options, Manresa State Beach Campground provides walk-in camping with beach proximity. Both locations require reservations, especially during summer months. These campgrounds offer water and toilet facilities, though amenities vary by location. The coastal position means temperatures can drop significantly at night, so pack accordingly even in summer months.
What are the best seasons for camping in Capitola, CA?
What are the best seasons for camping in Capitola, CA?
The best seasons for camping in Capitola are late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October) when you'll find milder temperatures and fewer crowds. Laguna Seca Recreation Area reports that November can be surprisingly pleasant with entire sections of campground potentially available. Summer (July-August) offers warmest temperatures but is extremely popular, requiring reservations months in advance at places like Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground. Winter camping is possible but prepare for cold nights and potential rain. Coastal fog can occur year-round, particularly in early summer mornings.
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