New Brighton State Beach Campground

Located a mere four miles from Santa Cruz in Capitola, this site is open year-round and provides visitors with beach access and coastal views from wooded bluffs overlooking the northern part of Monterey Bay. Sitting on 93 acres this park was once known for its Chinese fishing village during the late 1800’s. Adopted by the state of California in 1933, this campground features 114 various sites, welcoming both tents and RVs. Campsites feature picnic tables, food lockers, fire grills and storage for personal items. Activities include swimming, fishing, hiking through nearby forests of coastal foliage. At the nearby Seacliff State Beach, a concrete ship named the SS Palo Alto is home to various marine life due to its wreckage. Marine mammals such as dolphins, otters and grey whales can be spotted at various times of the year, while on the sand you can spot seabirds, crustaceans and more. Beach bonfires are permitted in fire rings provided by the park only. Onsite of the campground, the visitor center at New Brighton State Beach offers explorers and marine lovers an opportunity to learn and understand the history of the region. Visitors are welcome to see and experience stories of migrations from both people and creatures.

The Pacific Migrations Visitor Center is open during weekends of the spring and summer seasons. During the weekends of summer season (Memorial Day through Labor Day); guests can come together at the Campfire Center for an evening of songs, stories and star-gazing. New Brighton Campground also offers a Junior Rangers program daily during the same timeframe for children ages 7-12 to explore and enjoy a plethora of outdoor activities. Junior Rangers can acquire a logbook and earn badges from more than 70 California State Parks. Dogs are permitted on leash, and must be attended by humans at all times. New Brighton State Beach welcomes fishing with no license required from the pier, however the Department of Fish and Wildlife limits do apply.