New Brighton State Beach

I had high hopes for this place due to its close prioximty to town, but that faded quickly before we were able to get a site. The young girl and guy at the kiosk told me that they indeed had sites available, but they were unable to allow me into the park to pick the site of my choice. They advised that I could take the “5-minute” wal... more

We had stayed in quite a few different CA state parks and this one was ok. The sites are a little bit tight and glasses are overgrown. They had us to be put on waiting list and check in again at 2pm to get out spot even though there are open spots already. Even you have reservation and you also have to wait to check in until 2pm . ... more

I had this on my list of places I must camp since this campground is rated a 10 in Tom Stienstra RV Camping books. Well, I wouldn't call this campground a 10. But I will say, if one is looking for a place to stay close to Santa Cruz then this is a great location. I prefer camping away from towns and cities. Check-in was simple and easy... more

This was a great state park in the heart of the Central Coast. We visitied Pebble Beach, Monterey, Santa Cruz, and enjoyed the state park, too. Everything was within an hour and the fellow campers were great. The cliffs and big trees were amazing. It was the perfect setting for a campground. We didn’t use the bathrooms so I can’t comme... more

Stayed here for two weeks, 1st week in site #94 (3.5/5), then 2nd week in premium site #76 (5/5). 1st site was nothing special but spacious and quiet during the week as the non-premium sites are not often full during the winter months, and it backs onto the electric hookup sites so there's no generators abound (other than my own). 2nd... more

Nice campground. Expensive and you pay for showers (due to the drought). Really easy access to beach below the cliff. We rode our bikes to Santa Cruz, Capitola and Aptos. Park wifi is decent, even great with external wifi booster.

We had a great few days at this park. The towns of Capitola and Santa Cruz are fantastic little beach communities with good cafes, coffee shops and a few breweries. The park is on an ocean bluff overlooking the pacific. The sites that face out over the ocean are premium sites and cost $50. It is a short but steep walk down to the bea... more

This is one of the few state park campgrounds open all year in and around Santa Cruz. It is on the beach, though not exactly oceanfront. There is a steep beach trail that drops you down on a very nice beach cove. Midweek off-season the campground was quiet and about half full, however the weekend was totally booked and we couldn't stay... more

We stayed at New Brighton State Beach for a week last week during a "hazardous tree removal project" when the park wasn't taking reservations. Their 1st come 1st serve system didn't seem very efficient, but at least we were lucky enough to get a spot. The park was filled with families on spring break and it was pretty noisy duri... more