New Brighton State Beach Campground sits on coastal bluffs above Monterey Bay, with 111 sites accommodating RVs up to 36 feet and tents across paved roads and level sites. California State Parks manages this year-round facility with nightly rates ranging from $35 for interior sites to $50 for premium bluff locations with ocean views. Reservations prove essential, particularly during summer months when the campground fills quickly.
The campground maintains a developed feel with sites positioned relatively close together, offering limited privacy between neighbors. Most sites include picnic tables, fire rings, and at least one bear box, while some premium locations feature two storage lockers. Cypress and pine trees provide varying amounts of shade, though several reviewers note that some sites receive full sun exposure. Darin D. confirms that "the bathrooms and showers are very clean," with hot water available for $0.25 per minute.
Beach access requires a walk down bluff trails, though the main stairway trail closes periodically for maintenance. Alternative paths lead to the sandy beach below, where dogs run off-leash despite park regulations. The day-use parking area provides easier beach access for those preferring to drive. Highway 1 runs nearby, though noise levels vary by site location. Several campers report successful last-minute bookings despite online availability showing full capacity.
The location provides convenient access to campsites around Capitola and puts campers within minutes of grocery stores, restaurants, and the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. Camp hosts sell firewood on-site, while the dump station now charges $10 for all users, payable by credit card. Rangers and hosts warn about theft, advising campers to secure valuables when leaving sites unattended during the day.
Description
New Brighton State Beach is one of the most popular beachfront campgrounds in California, offering over 100 developed campsites, including 11 RV hookup sites. With bluff top views of the the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary, a visitor center museum, shade ramada for group picnics and special events, and campfire center with free summer programs, it’s no wonder New Brighton State Beach is such a favorite destination!
Fee Info
PARK FEES are due and payable upon entry into the park. Fees include entry for one vehicle and one legally towed vehicle/trailer. Additional vehicles not towed in will be charged an extra vehicle fee. Campers registering with discount passes—e.g. Disabled Discount Pass (DDP) or Distinguished Veteran Pass (POW)—must present discount card and picture ID at check-in time. Discount pass holder must be present when registering and while camping. Registration tags are non-transferable. Day use and annual passes are not valid in campground.
Reservation Info
Visitors will be able to reserve campsites and lodging six months in advance from the current date. Bookings may extend from the arrival date to the desired departure date – based on availability and the park’s maximum stay rules.
Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect
There are 3 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect
There are 3 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
California State Parks wants to thank our park visitors for helping us keep our parks and environment clean. In 2018, State Parks installed new RV dump station collection systems at ten state park units as part of a pilot program to help us protect the environment and are added amenities for our visitors.
Following the success of the initial pilot program in 2018, an additional eleven park units have been added to the program. The service is available for campers, day-use or transient visitors for $10-$20 per use, depending on the location. Please note that visitors with current reservations arriving on or after April 13, 2021, who are interested in using the RV dump stations may be required to pay the use fee. The price per campsite for these state parks does not include the use of a dump station. View the following link: Camping Information
Modification Policy : If you need to change your arrival/departure date and/or site, you must call ReserveCalifornia at 1-800-444-7275 or log into ReserveCalifornia.com by 6 p.m. the day before arrival. Visitors will be charged a modification fee per reserved campsite for change in dates, sites, parks, extending or shortening stay requests. Two modifications may be made to an existing reservation. The park does not handle modifications to reservations.
The following campgrounds of the Santa Cruz District are collectively restricted to an occupancy limit of 30 days by the same person(s), equipment or vehicles in any calendar year: [CCR 4455(a)]
Big Basin Redwoods State Park (Including Little Basin sub-unit)
Butano State Park
Castle Rock State Park
Half Moon Bay State Beach
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Manresa State Beach
New Brighton State Beach
Portola Redwoods State Park
Seacliff State Beach
Sunset State Beach
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsNew Brighton State Beach Campground is located in California near Capitola
Directions
From Hwy 1 (Park Ave/New Brighton Beach, exit 436): Go 1 block W, then follow signs S on McGregor Rd.
Address
1500 Park Avenue
Capitola, CA 95010
Coordinates
36.981238 N
121.9326 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/14/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 44 usersLast on 5/14/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 16 usersLast on 5/14/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/14/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 44 usersLast on 5/14/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 16 usersLast on 5/14/26
Access
Site Types
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 4 min from Santa Cruz, CA
- 32 min from Salinas, CA
- 39 min from San Jose, CA
- 1 hr 51 min from Modesto, CA















































