New Brighton State Beach Campground

California's Best Camping

New Brighton Beach, CA
New Brighton Beach, CA

New Brighton State Beach Campground

Santa Cruz County


New Brighton State Beach Campground

New Brighton State Beach Campground is one of the best along the coast. Campsites are spread among the trees on the bluff, with 9 premium sites overlooking the ocean. Trails lead from the campground down to the beach.

New Brighton State Beach Campground is located just south of popular Capitola Beach in Santa Cruz County. New Brighton is within walking distance of both Capitola Beach and Seacliff State Beach to the south.

In all, New Brighton State Beach Campground has 109 family campsites. Of those, 10 have hook-ups for RVs or trailer. Nine sites are designated for tents only. The rest - including the premium sites - can accommodate RVs, trailers, or tents.

New Brighton State Beach Campground also has 3 Group Campsites as well as a Hike & Bike campsite.

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New Brighton State Beach Campground Basics
New Brighton State Beach Campground Location: New Brighton/Park Ave exit off Highway 1, Aptos
Camping Season: Open year-round
Number of Sites: 109
Max. People per Site: 8 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 2 (one driven and one towed)
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by California State Parks
New Brighton SB Information: (831) 464-6329

Reservations at New Brighton State Beach Campground
Reservations available New Brighton State Beach Campground reservations are available year-round, up to 6 months in advance of arrival date.
Maximum Vehicle Length: 36 feet
Wheelchair accessible Sites: #27, 77, 80, 95, and 107; and all restrooms
Fees: Standard sites - $35
Hook-up sites - $50
Premium sites $50
Hike & Bike Site $5 per person
Online Reservations at ReserveCalifornia: New Brighton State Beach Campground Reservations
or call (800) 444-PARK (7275) between 8 AM and 6 PM
Check-out, Check-in: Check-in: 2:00 PM
Check-out: Noon

New Brighton State Beach Campground Amenities
Campsites: picnic table, fire ring with grill, food storage locker
Campground: Restrooms with flush toilets, piped water
Showers: Yes
Dump Station: Yes
Campground Map: New Brighton Beach Campground Map
Attractions near New Brighton State Beach Campground:
  • Enjoy New Brighton Beach for sunbathing, swimming, picnicking, kayaking, and fishing.
  • Walk along the beach to nearby Seacliff Beach with a visitor Center, pier, and snack bar.
  • Drive to nearby Forest of Nisene Marks in Aptos.
  • Walk to Capitola for restaurants, shopping and the newly refurbished wharf.
  • Visit Sunset Beach and Manresa Beach to the south.






New Brighton State Beach Group Campsites

New Brighton Beach has 3 group campsites. The tent-only campsites can each accommodate from 9 to 25 people and up to 4 vehicles. The group sites are on the west side of the campground.
Fee: $185 per night
Reservations: New Brighton Beach Group Camp Reservations




Campground at New Brighton State Beach, CA

New Brighton State Beach Campground

Reviews from Previous Campers

2024

  • Clean restrooms and showers.
  • Only sounds at night were gently crashing waves.
  • Staff was helpful and friendly.
  • Roomy campsites.

Santa Cruz - Monterey Beach Attractions

The Santa Cruz and Monterey coast is a popular vacation destination from great surfing around Santa Cruz to the wild and scenic Big Sur coast. Campers at New Brighton State Beach Campground have a comfortable bluff-top setting with wonderful views of the ocean.

  • Surfing is popular at Santa Cruz's famous Steamer Lane as well as to the south at Carmel.
  • Excellent pier fishing can be enjoyed at Santa Cruz's well-developed wharf as well as at the Capitola's pier and the popular Seacliff Beach pier.
  • For wildlife and scenery, Point Lobos State Park leads the list. There are also many more wonders to be enjoyed all the way down the Big Sur coast.
  • Attend the festivities on Labor Day weekend at Capitola Beach.
  • Visit beautiful Sand Dollar Beach and Jade Cove.
  • Enjoy the beauty of the waterfall at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
  • See the green sand and the spectacular rocks at Pfeiffer Beach.

Key New Brighton State Beach Campground Regulations

  1. Do not feed or leave food out for wildlife.
  2. Dogs are not permitted on the beach. In the campground they must be on leash and attended at all times.
  3. Generators may only be used from 10 AM to 8 PM.
  4. No effluent, gray or fresh water may be discharged onto the ground.
  5. For safety, stay on the hiking trails as the bluff walls are steep.

    Check New Brighton State Beach for any campground updates.