Camp at New Brighton Campground

Capitola, California

Save

View all 2 photos

All 2 photos

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Details

Elevation Gain

0 ft

Description

Added by The Outbound Collective

New Brighton State Beach campground is perfect if you are looking for a wonderful beach camping experience relatively close to Santa Cruz. Hiking trails from the campground connect to Capitola-by-the-sea and offer jaw-dropping ocean views.

This Capitola camping spot is the place to be if you're looking to do a variety of activities in a variety of landscapes. You can swim, fish, or explore the nearby forest of Monterey Pine and coastal Oak. In the evening, walk into Capitola for live music and great fish tacos.

The S.S. Palo Alto, a concrete freighter, can be sighted at Seacliff State Beach. A variety of marine life seeks refuge in the ships reckage, including mussels, barnacles, sea stars, anemones, and rock crabs. Harbor seals, sea lions, pelicans and cormorants are abundant. Local fish include sole, kingfish, halibut, mackerel, and flounder. In the fall, thousands of sooty shearwaters (small seabirds) arrive from New Zealand. Dolphins, sea otters, and migrating whales can be spotted from shore with binoculars.

There are 9 premium sites that offer nightly views of romantic beach sunsets over northern Monterey Bay. 102 other campsites are also available, and some include RV hookup. Toilets, picnic tables, and showers are available for all. There is a $10 vehicle day use fee. You can make reservations online in advance here.

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Stand Up Paddle

Cycling

Camping

Fishing

Surfing

Swimming

Hiking

Bathrooms

Beach

Dog Friendly

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Food Nearby

Forest

Groups

Picnic Area

Romantic

Scenic

Wildflowers

Wildlife

Camp at New Brighton Campground Reviews

Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

New Brighton Beach Trail

Hike to Nisene Marks' Maple Falls

As you enter the park, you'll need to pay $8 for parking via a self-pay envelope, so it's recommended that you bring exact change. At the park booth, be sure to grab a map. The hike can be a little tricky with no cell service and limited trail signage. Once you've grabbed your map, keep driving past the booth, there are parking areas available further up the road.During the winter, you'll have ...

Land of Medicine Buddha Loop

Near the retreat, there is a short trail called "Eight Verses Pilgrimage Trail" providing people with the opportunity to meditate on thought transformation in a peaceful and picturesque outdoor setting. From there, a beautiful 6 mile loop will take you up to the top of the ridge and then back around to parking. There is also a more accessible two mile and half mile loop. As you walk up the dr...

Surf the Hook

The hook is a surf spot found on the east side of Santa Cruz, located along East Cliff drive. If you keep driving past Pleasure Point, you'll get to it. It's a right hand point break that is usually smaller in size than Pleasure Point. It's a very crowded spot due to the easy access parking lot right across the street.

Surf Pleasure Point

Pleasure Point is located on the east side of Santa Cruz, California. It is a right hand point break that breaks year round. It is a popular surf spot for many people that live in the San Francisco Bay Area. There are 3 different peaks that break at Pleasure Point. Sewers, which is the furthest breaking point and is for more experienced surfers. 2nd peak is located more on the inside where you...

A Beach Bonfire in Santa Cruz at Twin Lakes SB

This one-mile stretch of beach is the perfect option for those looking for a peaceful Santa Cruz experience, but without the crowds. The beach features soft sand, playful surf, an awesome view of Walton Lighthouse, and a handful of fire pits to choose from. It's a great spot to spend the entire day with friends and family, so plan on getting there early to secure a fire pit. The beach is also a...