New Brighton Sb Campground

About

New Brighton State Beach Campground occupies a scenic bluff top setting above the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary near Capitola. The campground offers over 100 developed campsites spread across multiple loops, with 11 sites (numbered 46-56) providing electric hookups. All sites accommodate tents, and most can handle RVs and trailers up to 36 feet. The campground includes hot showers, flush restrooms, potable water, and an RV dump station. The park features a visitor center museum, a shaded ramada for group gatherings, and a campfire center that hosts free interpretive programs during summer months. Beach access is available via trails leading down from the bluffs. The surrounding forest of Monterey pine, coast live oak, and eucalyptus provides welcome shade in the campground. Dogs are permitted in campsites on leashes no longer than six feet but are not allowed on the beach. Five standard campsites and one hookup site meet ADA accessibility requirements, with accessible restrooms and showers available throughout the camping loops. Beach wheelchairs can be reserved through Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks for those wanting beach access.

Directions

From Highway 1, take the New Brighton/Park Avenue exit. Head toward the ocean on Park Avenue to the park entrance. Due to ongoing Highway 1 construction, alternate access may be required: northbound travelers exit at Bay Ave/Porter Street and follow detour to Soquel Drive then Park Avenue; southbound travelers exit at State Park Drive, turn left, take Soquel Drive to Park Avenue.