One of the nicest state beach campgrounds in all of California. Very rustic setting with lush vegitation and beautiful trees. The bathroom facilities are very clean and the camping spots are a nice size. The only downfall is that it can be very difficult to get a reservation for a camping spot as they book months in advance and go very quickly. Everything is really close yet you feel as though it is not. Very scenic and romantic place. Great for the family as well as there are tons of things to keep the little ones occupied. Make sure you pack all of your food away at night as there are tons of raccoons and they will ransack and eat your food. read more

Great campground. Nice bathrooms and not a lot of hassle from the rangers.

Parking is 10.00, but it not a far walk to the beach and a few steps. Not as many people come here vs. Sea Cliff. Great for calm days with the family to soak up the sun and play in the sand. There were some fire pits that were still burning at 11AM, so be watchful of the little ones. No bathrooms around just porter potties. read more

Car camping is so fun! The beach is nice, but there are sand fleas, at least there were when I was there in late October 2015. Not too crowded but enough people around that you feel safe. read more

New Brighton beach is the best beach for camping, kids and dogs. The beach in between New Brighton and Seacliff is private - non state park land. You can take off your dogs leash in this area. It's a nice long, large place for the dogs to have a blast. I camp there all the time. Year round. read more

Within walking distance of Capitola (beach walk or sidewalk), dog-friendly, great for family walks and some excellent houses along the way!

We just came home from our Labor Day camping trip. It was beautiful and the weather was warm enough for playing in the water. There were a lot of seaweeds in the water on the 2nd day of our stay, but the kids were fine with it. The campground was well managed by the rangers. "Thank you Rangers". They did an excellent job to keep it quiet after 10pm. Everything was fine except the lines for showers were too long. A lot of people wanted a shower after the beach day but some people took "very" long ones. Some of our friends waited for almost an hour for their turns. I think campers need to be courteous to other people. Limited their shower times, or raise the price for showers. They are too cheap, 25 cents for 2 minutes. read more

Love the beach, the serenity of camping and hearing waves, and waking up hanging out by the camp fire..... hate the nazi Park rangers and their badge heavy rules to enforce... calm down rangers, it's gonna be okay! If you want to camp here and haven't thoroughly read the entire rule book on camping at a state park, and perhaps you break one minor harmless rule, may god have mercy on your soul! Other than the lack of leniency on rules (80% which are beyond ridiculous), bathrooms are nice, showers are decent, and most camping spots are pretty good. read more

It's clean and the coastline is beautiful! Hasn't been crowded whenever I've been.

The beach is nasty smells like sewage, some of dog owner's were not cleaning up after their dogs and there is kids playing in the sand with crap in the sand. Not a wide beach not much room. Beach is full of seaweed covered with sand flies. It's just a nasty beach. I can't speak about the campgrounds, I didn't see the campgrounds but as far as the beach thumbs down. read more

Good location next to nice beach although access is down a very steep and long hill. Facilities are clean and new. As people have mentioned lots of RVs at this camp. Camp sites vary greatly some have no cover and are between people and bathrooms so people walk through your site. Others are connected to neighboring sites so good for small groups. Others like the one we were fortunate to have are very large, private with large trees. Given you have to select your site before you go and the online map is not good guide, makes sense to scout out location if you can before reserving. read more

Waves/Surf: Moderate Riptide: Mild Bathrooms: smelly but roomy Parking: Adequate Best spot: To the south, away from the restrooms. Kids loved it. Lots of people but it had enough room for everyone. Must have been a large school of fish nearby; thousands of pelicans, seagulls, and diving birds going after fish. Also saw seals and sea otters only about 50 ft off shore. Some seaweed but not as bad as at Capitola or Santa Cruz. Water was very muddy and churned up. Will definitely go back and stay for camping next time, but will also wear a wetsuit; don't like wading in the ocean when I can't see what I am standing in! read more

I like this camp ground a lot! Its right on the ocean beach cliff. Lots of raccoons at night. So watch your food coolers.lol. This is a most beautiful place to enjoy a walk along the beach. Must see for yourself. read more

Great beach to camp at. Not many electric hook ups, so get there early. Nice, safe beach.

Just got back from a relaxing 3 night trip. This campground was recommended by a coworker. I've read some of the negative reviews and would respond, "Sure, it's not perfect, but it's California State Park CAMPING people! Poison oak grows all over California, duh! Learn to identify and keep clear. Expect sites being close with little privacy, and expect some noisy neighbors. If you want quiet, backpack into back country. People quieted down in the evening. The beach did NOT smell like sewage, it smelled like California beach in the summer-big difference people. If you can't differentiate between rotting kelp and sewage, well, I can't help you. The trail down to the beach is steep because the campground is located on a bluff overlooking the beach. If the campground was on the beach it would be seasonal because the Pacific coast is force to be reckoned with. Book early and pick a spot a bit away from the bathrooms-this is a given in any campground. Yes, it's right off highway 1 and you will hear traffic, but you will also heard the ocean waves. I have insomnia and back pain and I slept like a baby. Bottom line, we had a great time and look forward to future trips at this wonderful, family oriented spot. Biggest tip-Do bring a canopy for your picnic table because most spots have little shade. Get your daily cardio walking to and from the beach, then drive a couple of miles to pick up supplies as needed. And do yourself a favor and pick up a pizza at Pizza My Heart off 41st on your way in. Set up camp, heat up your pizza on your camp stove and crack open an ice cold beer as you watch the sun set over the Pacific. Live the dream. ENJOY! read more

It's a so nice Beach the locals are a little bit disgruntled at times Rich uppity affluent women with attitudes but the scenery is nice even good amount of local single women that are DTF read more

Great spot. Love the access to the beach and leashed dogs ARE allowed on the beach. Sites are close to each other with little privacy. I gave it three stars only because of the difficulty in making reservations. When trying to make reservations online ALL sites say unavailable. If you call and are lucky enough to get a human you might be able to make reservations. You can take a chance and and come and see if there is an open spot. If you are lucky you can get a spot. they make you come up to the kiosk the next day to see if you are in a spot that has been reserved. For some reason they have no list or access to a computer to let you know then. So chances are good you will have to vacate the site. They tell you you can go on the waiting list until 2pm and then see if there is a site available. So you mean to tell me that if I made a reservation and don't check in by 2pm you'll give my site away to someone on the waiting list at 2pm. Screwy system :( since this is a state beach there is no "customer service" the state employees don't care if you come back. read more

Facility quality dwindling. Beach still good but campground quality bordering on bad.

I called to see if any last minute cancellations for today, some guy answered the phone I asked he said abruptly no and hung up on me, TWICE. If that's the way they do business, I will be camping elsewhere. read more

New Brighton Beach used to be the awesome place to camp in 2000. I came back in 2010 and the place was infested with cats, raccoons, and other animals I am not even sure of. Dogs were running wild off their leashes. Campsites were over crowded with more than the allotted number of cars per space. I waited a long time to have the opportunity to camp again at New Brighton, but was disheartenned to see what the place became. If you knew what New Brighton used to be like, you would be disappointed too. New Brighton used to be quaint and beautiful with respectable citizens seeking to be with nature. See more on New Brighton here: http://www.selfsagacity.com/2010/11/visitors-from-woods-campsite-75-new.html read more

We have camped at NB numerous times over the years and have always been quite pleased, until this time. No doubt this is a beautiful place to spend the weekend, you can't beat the view from the campsites along the cliff. I'm knocking stars off, however, because you'd think that your belongings would be safe in your campsite while you sleep but they're not. We had an entire cooler, complete with soda and adult beverages, as well as an unopened 12-pack, taken from our campsite while we slept. That's just not cool on so many levels. If that's indicative of the type of folks who are going to be camping along side us at NB I think I'll stay somewhere else next time. read more

Ranger at check-in most unhelpful. We were told we could park outside the park, for 15 minutes, walk in and look for a spot to camp. We could not check in before 3:00pm. Got back to office and then told we were 6th in line for choosing a campsite. With rules as specific as this, perhaps they should be posted up front. I have never had such a bad experience at a State Park. Nice enough park, but help should be replaced. read more

Nice views but both times I've visited there's been hundreds of sand fleas EVERYWHERE. Not very relaxing when you have to swat them off every two seconds. I would find another beach. read more

Great campground! Super quiet, clean, big spaces, full hook ups, lots of grass and trees and a beautiful beach to explore. Great location also. Would definitely come again! read more

Came to New Brighton SB last weekend with a friend for a little getaway from the city. The location is just perfect, nestled just above the beach. Gorgeous views of the sunset over the ocean. Down the beach to the left are a bunch of beach homes and to the right, you can walk about a half mile into the town of Capitola. Lots of surfers, families, restaurants and boutiques. The campsites are extremely close together without a lot of foliage. We were the only tent campers as everyone else had RVs or pop ups. 4 stars as their rangers weren't the friendliest, and the proximity of the campsites wasn't the best, but definitely a great place to come! Bathrooms are also very clean and they do have outlets. Happy camping! read more

Very good location and convenient to Grocery Store. Firewood very expensive if you don't bring your own. Really a fun park, BUT watch out for the POISON IVY/POISON OAK. We were at the park starting June 26, 2016 for 5 nights. Had to leave one day early because one our family members got poison ivy. In addition, you have to walk down to the beach and back up to your campsite. Walking back up is very strenuous, especially if you have gear. read more

I LOVE taking my kids to this beach. The pier has pelicans walking around and down below you might see a sea otter. At the end is an old ship that is there for the wild life to hang out. But I am sickened by the fishing lines that are wrapped around the legs of the birds flying around. Some are missing their feet and some are about to lose them. People need to respect the wild life a little more and clean up. It is truly sad. read more

Camps are not very privte. which is norm you are by the beach. If you can deal with that it is very nice.

Beach smells like sewage. However not crowded and available parking, probably because beach smells like sewage.

Just left this park after a three night stay with my family of four. We're experienced tent campers and this was our first time at this campground. Here's the skinny... PROS: Beach is a short, but steep, hike away. Restrooms were cleanish. Showers were available. Our site was huge and could definitely be shared. Close to the boardwalk and shopping, if you get tired of actual camping. Likewise, Big 5 and grocery stores are close if you forget something. Dolphins can be seen swimming near the beach. CONS: Raccoon apocalypse at dusk. Seriously, they get into and eat anything and everything. The lockers are worthless and dirty. The raccoons know how to unzip your tent and open ice chests. Wet, muddy paw prints on everything in the mornings. Don't leave anything out at night. I can't emphasise this enough. They unzipped our tent and went in and pulled sealed snacks out of our bags and made a huge mess. We had to put a lock on the zippers to keep them from getting back in after we shooed them out. Not cute. Beach is close but water isn't clear and beach is littered and full of bugs. Rangers patrol the park every two minutes, watching the campers like inmates. Weird. And yet they do nothing about the rabid gangs of raccoons running the asylum. Yosemite took care of their rat situation (Hunta virus). NB should take note. The sound of the nearby interstate completely drowns out the sound of the ocean. I slept with ear plugs and could still hear the traffic. Showers aren't very hot and a quarter gets you a two minute slightly-better-than-lukewarm rinse. (Better than nothing.) Fire pits are so tall that you can't see the fire or feel the heat if you sit down. You don't sit and relax by the fire. You stand over it like hobos warming their hands over a back alley garbage can fire. Everything left outside will be soaking wet in the morning. Not like light morning dew wet, but like torrential downpour wet. Be prepared. Seriously consider keeping everything in tubs during the day and put them in a vehicle at night. Because of the raccoons too, this is a must. Bottom line is it's fun to visit the ocean and my kids enjoyed it. Most of the cons would be solved if we had a trailer. Maybe next year... read more

Beautiful and clean beach. Went here a couple of weekends ago to hang out with some friends that were camping. Had a blast and will most likely go camping with them next year. Hopefully it's back to this place again! read more

Just returned from a 3 night stay at the campground. Beautiful setting, quite and peaceful, gorgeous beach and good facilities. Will be back for sure ! read more

My favorite beach in capitola, hands down. A great place to take a walk from the village. Walking the cliffs over to the parking area and down the stairs is a nice way to get a little exercise with a beautiful view. Get there if you have a chance to! read more

We camped there for the first time this year and loved it. Nice campsites, wood for purchase, wonderfully clean bathrooms and showers. The bathrooms are close to every campsite. The showers are coin operated .25 cents for 2 minutes. There is a nice area for cleaning dishes. The beach area is really nice, clean and accessible. We well try to go there every year. read more

We love this campground for its great location. Unfortunately it is really crowded and can be especially crowded during the summer - to the point where people are walking or riding their bikes through our site. When it is not so crowded, the facilities are fine, the ocean is a short walk away (you can hear it from your site), and the park itself is close to amenities and Capitola. I would strongly suggest reservations and a careful look at the map to choose the most secluded spot possible (the ones on the main throughways can get a little crazy/loud). Overall, we love the park and always try to stay here at least once a year. read more

Camping spot was quiet, although the 2 spots on either side of us were vacant... not sure why as the "campground full" sign was out when we checked in. Strolled around and found at least 5 sites empty. Not sure if they were no shows or what. Our only complaint about the site (#70) was the caterpillars~ HUNDREDS of them! Hanging from the trees and getting on the tent~ had to shake them off 2-3 times over the weekend. Premium spots definitely the way to go~ we were across from these and they look worth the extra $$. 7 month advance reservation definitely a minus, but will continue to do it to go back to this park. Beach walk was great, close, beach was mostly clean except lots of seaweed washed up (this doesn't bother me). We brought the dog, the bummer with that was she had to be on the leash the whole time, including the beach. Would love to have her kick up her heels a little more off leash, but it was still do able. Campsite had picnic table, critter box, fire pit with half grill. We put our food in the car at night so had no trouble with critters (except the worms as described above!). Close to Capitola, easy drive to town. Would recommend this spot~ will be visiting again next year. read more

The rangers here are very unprofessional lately. I had been going there since I was a little kid, but I don't think I'm going to bother. I just left from visiting some of my family who were camped there and was accused by the ranger on duty of looking "sketchy" and told that I should "stay gone". All of this because my fiancé and I were walking out of the park after dark. I was courteous and of course I left without any ado. The accusatory nature of this ranger's interaction with me was grossly unprofessional. I feel that I should also mention that I wasn't the only person walking around in the campground at that time and that he specifically singled me out for reasons I still don't understand. I wasn't loud, I wasn't shining my light into campsites or walking by peoples cars or anything that would normally be considered "sketchy" so I don't understand the justification for his actions. read more

Camped in a site with electric/water hookups. The campground is beautiful. Lots of tall trees and access to the water. We walked about 3 miles round trip on the beach to the Sea Cliff pier. They have a nice visitors center and you can see a sunken cement ship at the end of the pier. Lots of fun. We will return. read more