New Brighton Sb Campground

Open — Open year-round for camping with advance reservations available. Maximum stay is seven consecutive days, with occupancy limited to 30 total days per calendar year across all Santa Cruz District camping facilities. Storm closures and evacuations may occur infrequently during fall and winter seasons.

About

New Brighton State Beach campground is perched on scenic bluffs overlooking northern Monterey Bay in Capitola, offering one of California's premier beachfront camping experiences. With over 100 developed campsites, including 11 sites with electrical hookups, the campground attracts visitors year-round seeking coastal recreation and stunning ocean views. The campground provides modern amenities including restrooms with showers, a dump station, and drinking water. A visitor center museum interprets the natural and cultural history of the Pacific Rim, open seasonally from Memorial Day to Labor Day on Friday through Sunday. The beach below offers swimming in warmer months, fishing from the shore, and excellent beachcombing opportunities. Nearby trails wind through Monterey pine forest, providing shaded walks with sweeping views of the bay. New Brighton State Beach suffered significant damage during historic winter storms in early 2023, but recovery efforts continue as part of the Seacliff Resilience project. The campground maintains its appeal as a favorite destination for families and RV campers seeking coastal California camping with convenient access to Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay attractions.

Directions

The beach is in the town of Capitola, just south of Santa Cruz. Take the New Brighton/Park Avenue exit off Highway One.

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