The best camping near New Brighton State Beach

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next New Brighton State Beach adventure.

99% (69 reviews)

Wake up to stunning views of Monterey Bay in New Brighton, one of California's best beaches.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near New Brighton State Beach

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in New Brighton State Beach

Right after the storm passed through. The pelicans were going nuts!

99%

(69)

New Brighton Campground

109 sites · RVs, Tents In New Brighton State Beach

Group Camping Area

1 site In New Brighton State Beach

from

$30

/ night

Top-rated campgrounds near New Brighton State Beach

91%

(475)

Saddle Mountain

34 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents89 acres · Carmel, CA

Welcome to Saddle Mountain, RV and Campground! We are located on 89 acres of forest land off Carmel Valley Road, just 5 miles from HWY 1. Nestled within oaks, Monterey pines, and redwoods, Saddle Mountain offers a great family friendly getaway for those seeking a break from the bustle of life. PLEASE NOTE, our RV and tent sites are pet friendly but YOU MUST ADD THE PET FEE EXTRA WHEN MAKING YOUR BOOKING. Our glamping stays are NOT pet-friendly aside from one of our luxury tents. We charge $15 per pet and you can bring a maximum of 2 pets. On site seasonally heated pool (Mid May through Oct). ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: *Please continue reviewing/monitoring California Travel guidelines as they may change and affect your reservation* On site seasonally heated pool (seasonally), private hiking trail, playground, Foosball table and more. No refund for inclement weather during the Winter months. We provide complementary Wi-Fi in designated areas of the park. We ask that there is no streaming at the Park so we can share Wi-Fi with all our guests. Thank you!

97%

(473)

The Ranch at Cross Road

11 sites · RVs, Tents84 acres · Livermore, CA

Welcome to the ranch at cross road! We are a family owned organic farm in the heart of Livermore wine country. We have 10 camp sites spread across the property for you to choose from. The property is 15 minutes from Lake Del Valle and some of the best wineries and breweries California has to offer. Settle in and enjoy amazing sunsets every night with us! We accommodate tents,Travel trailers, Fifth wheels, Toy haulers, Pop-up campers, Class A RVs, Class B RVs, Class C RVs, Campervans, and Cars. Our guests love us too! "I had a wonderful stay at Matt’s ranch! It was easy to find even as it was starting to get dark, and the campsites were well lit and easy to find. The ranch is beautiful. It was such a treat to stay here. I would definitely stay again."

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Whiskey Hill Barn and Camp

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Watsonville, CA

Stay within minutes of Manresa, Sand Dollar, and Sunset State beaches. There are excellent biking and hiking opportunities on the Watsonville and Elkhorn sloughs, or commune with the redwoods in the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park. The air is amazing here, between the salt sea and redwood forest. We welcome you to relax and refresh on the Monterey Bay coast.

97%

(524)

Redwood Retreat: Camping & Cooking

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents16 acres · Watsonville, CA

Located on 16 acres, Redwood Retreat is nestled among majestic redwood trees. Don't let weather worries keep you from booking-we give a 100% refund in the case of inclement weather! We have a cottage, a tent cabin with a queen air mattress, and two camping sites for up to 4. Sites 1 & 2 combine nicely for a group of up to 8 and site 3 can accommodate a group of 6 (w/ host approval). Enjoy the owls, ravens, doves, hummingbirds, and salamanders and NO WIFI. Harken back to the days of yore cooking in the outdoor kitchen, playing darts, cornhole, ring toss, or ask to use the telescope & binoculars to star gaze. (Learn about Redwood Trees by copying and pasting this URL into your web browser- https://www.giantsrising.com/discover/#mytreestory) When you book you will receive an extensive list of recommendations of things to do in the area with web links, links to camping recipes, as well as seasonal menus for food that you can order from Chef Mima. Our common area includes bbq's, propane burners, picnic tables, propane griddle, cooking supplies, dish-washing area as well as outdoor games. Other amenities such as shower, fridge, microwave, toaster oven, more cooking supplies and books are also available to you in another common area. The terrain on our property is NOT hikeable and you may NOT WALK OFF THE PROPERTY but we provide you with links to many trails as well as recommendations for lots to see and do in the area. We are equi-distant between Monterey and Santa Cruz (also approximately 30 minutes but depends on traffic) for all of your more "touristy" desires. Under 2 hours to San Francisco. Imagine a peaceful, serene neck of the woods with NO WIFI. Feel the restorative power of nature building resilience and buffering tomorrow’s stress. Welcome to Redwood Retreat in the mountains above the sweet town of Corralitos, approximately a half hour to either Santa Cruz or Monterey and 20 minutes to nearest beach. If you are the type of camper that likes to play music or be loud, this is not the camp for you. This is a refuge from that. When multiple sites are reserved, this spot is perfect for family vacations, company retreats, small celebrations etc. It is strongly recommended that you book all three sites if you wish to entertain. No amplified noise. A noise curfew is in effect from 10:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. for anything but talking. Sound carries and we must respect neighbors and other campers.THX!

93%

(389)

Felton Open Space Camp Sites

10 sites · RVs, Tents14 acres · Felton, CA

Next to Historic Winery in the heart of Santa Cruz Mountains in the quaint town of Felton. Located between two state parks, Henry Cowell and Fall Creek. Just 6 miles, up in the mountains, from the Pacific Ocean and the Monterey Bay. Half a mile from the famous Roaring Camp Railway. Wine & Cider tasting next door at Hallcrest Vineyards; Dine in Felton, hiking, biking and local shops to explore. Please note when booking that each of the sites are limited to two adults only. Children are welcome.

96%

(157)

Peace, Love and Sunset Ranch

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Watsonville, CA

This is camping made easy. No need to bring your cooking supplies, stoves, barbeque and dinnerwares ! We have them all. If you like to be social and have bonfire and have a nice chat with fellow campers from somewhere else, this is the place for you. We are committed to provide good beds and beddings because we know how important good sleep is (even when you camp!) so we just spent time, money and energy to replace all of our camping mattresses with memory foam mattresses!!! We had people swear that this is the best bed they ever slept in. The campground is located in a serene oakwood grove area of the property. Its a peaceful getaway with an abundance of bird varieties and occasional wild turkeys passing through. Take a stroll around our 5-acre property and catch a breathtaking sunset from the hillside. We're only 11 minutes away from Mount Madonna State Park and just 10 minutes from a local healthy grocery store and yoga studio. The beautiful Pajaro Dunes coastal area is just a 15-minute drive away, and the Santa Cruz Fairground is only two minutes away. Our location is surrounded by family friendly farms such as Gizdich ranch and nurseries, hence why it's considered the salad bowl of the United States. The Santa Cruz beaches are only 15-25 minutes away, while Monterey Bay Aquarium is just 30 minutes away and Gilroy Gardens is about 25 minutes away. The wine trail is also nearby. There are plenty of activities to enjoy nearby, including horseback riding at Mount Madonna Stable, Mount Madonna Retreat Center, hiking at Mount Madonna State Park, wine tastings at various wineries with stunning views, kayaking at Elkhorn Slough or any beaches, yoga at Watsonville Yoga or onsite, swimming, scuba diving in Monterey, visiting the Hanoman temple at Mount Madonna retreat center, and attending any events at the Santa Cruz Fairground. Julie, our campground manager offers horse lessons for anyone starting at age 8 + but not heavier than 180 lbs. The property has 3 stalls for hot showers, 1 hand washing sink, 3 flushable toilettes, 1 communal outdoor kitchen with supplies of cookwares, dishes, mugs, glasses, utensils, pots and pans, coffee mugs, and 1 sink with hot water, 3 fire pits (2 of them is fire burning and 1 of them is propane), camping stoves, 1 gas barbeque and there is an electricity in the communal kitchen area. Propane for fireplace is included and Firewoods are available for sale. Board games, Books, Magazines, Lawn games are available as well as drawing papers and coloring pencils/markers/oil paint for our little artists. Your parking spot is within a very short walking distance and there is a wagon for you to use to haul your belongings to your camp site.

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The Secret Gardens by the Bay

26 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Watsonville, CA

This is a brand new listing on Hipcamp. The Secret Gardens is located about 2 minutes drive from the beach and the Monterey bay, about 12 miles away South of Santa Cruz. The beaches here are more peaceful and spread out as long as your eyes can see. We are 33 miles away from Monterey aquarium but you almost don't have to go anywhere when you are here. There are many things to do such as hiking at Land of Medicine Buddha or Forrest of Nisene Mark, Stroll around at Capitola Village, Have coffee and do awesome thrift shopping in downtown Aptos or in Soquel, Get some free foods from Free Food church on Wednesday evening (Yes, locally grown organic produce!), have a picnic on the cliff to watch the sunset, this town kind of remind you what's like to be in town without big boxes and franchise stores everywhere, life as its finest. This campground is also a great setting for your celebrations with two stages, a celebration area, a stone fired pizza oven and a sound systems (These are extras).

83%

(60)

#2 HMB Highway Overnight Rest Stop

2 sites · RVs1 acre · Half Moon Bay, CA

WELCOME PLEASE READ! Overnight parking and Rest Stop on South Highway One. One vehicle only, Car, Pickup Truck, Small Van, Motorcycle are Welcome. Private road and shared picnic area for One of Two Parking Spots. Walk to beach bluffs 10 minutes. Potable water. Bathrooms. Fire pit and wood and picnic table (shared area) Tents okay. An abundance of seasonal wildflowers and wild berries Year round. Observe rare. Species of birds Close walk to town for shopping and festivals. ********************************************* Next to FARM horses and chickens. Ocean may be loud. Highway may be heard. No pets please. No towable Trailers or RVs over 20 feet. Noise curfew is sundown. No parties in this location. Check in after 2pm Check out is noon.

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(55)

Charcoal Springs Camp & Cabin

4 sites · Lodging, Tents40 acres · Watsonville, CA

Welcome to our serene retreat at Charcoal Springs, overlooking the Monterey Bay! Nestled amidst the picturesque Santa Cruz mountains of California, our property offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday urban life, with beautiful views of the ocean, redwood forest, and stunning sunrise/sunsets. Our property is above the redwoods, and more often than not, above the fog line! We've spent the last year pouring our love into this mountaintop retreat and we are happy to share it with you! Our spacious camping area provides ample room for you to set up your tent or camper van (no RVs, trailers or 5th wheels) ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay. Outdoor activities: leisurely stroll along our scenic little trail + surrounding wilderness: we are right next to the north entrance of the Soquel Demonstration Forest for world class mountain biking. If you are interested in hosting a larger group, in organizing a retreat, and in booking out all our sites, please get in touch! ATTENTION: MAY-DECEMBER - FIRE BAN PENDING WEATHER/WIND DAY-OF KITCHEN/BBQ AT PANORAMA CONTAINER CAMP: Propane is $25/tank, WE DO NOT PROVIDE PLATES, CUPS, UTENSILS, OR COOKING SUPPLIES AT CONTAINER CAMP! Container Camp Kitchen has a BBQ, tongs and brush for the BBQ, a 3 burner camp stove, sink, covered trash/recycling cans, miscellaneous pots/pans (see picture with utensils on site). There is NO REFRIGERATOR at Container Camp, so bring your coolers! KITCHEN AT THE COOP (NO BBQ): The Coop is equipped with most kitchenware that one would need (4 cu ft refrigerator, pots, pans, 4 x plates, bowls, and cups, mugs, knives, silverware, salad bowl, french-press coffee pot, kettle…) with a two burner electric hot plate and the woodstove with a cooktop on it. The Coop does NOT have a BBQ. PLEASE KEEP FOOD IN SEALED CONTAINERS OR COOLERS! Also, remember to keep the volume down, as most people come here precisely for the piece and quiet:) Grocery shopping: We are 25 minutes from the Summit store, and Corralitos meat market down Eureka Canyon. All sites have access to: -electricity, -hot showers, -composting toilet (Sun-Mar Excel), -industrial sink (also with hot water), -partially equipped kitchen (with mini fridge and electric hot plates in 'The Coop' / propane stove/BBQ at the container camp in covered kitchen area), -Fire places: wood stove in The Coop, and seasonal fire-pits (bring your own wood - or buy $15 a bundle from us) (Please bring your own SHEETS, TOWELS and BIODEGRADABLE soap - Dr. Bronner's. If you're camping, for an extra comfy night's sleep, we can provide 2 custom double bed sized camping mattresses - for $25 a mattress per night). After a day of exploration, you can use our designated fire pits (seasonally/weather permitting) and share stories under the stars with your fellow travelers. At Charcoal Springs, you can expect a peaceful retreat far from the city, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature as you traverse the rugged terrain and enjoy the view. Whether you're seeking adventure or simply craving a moment of calm, our property offers the perfect escape for your next outdoor getaway. We look forward to welcoming you to our slice of paradise! Johnny and Jeanne (Profile pic from artist Pedro Gomes: https://pedrogo.com/)

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Hidden Spring Ranch

6 sites · Lodging, Tents6 acres · Santa Cruz, CA

Magical 6 acre permaculture ranch just a few minutes to town, beaches and restaurants. Take a bath under a clear night sky, enjoy the morning birdsong and take a stroll on or off the property. We have free ranging chickens, a hidden spring surrounded by two creeks and wild plums. Happy Valley is a secret little gem of Santa Cruz. Plenty of space for relaxing, and amazing location for both convenience and adventures. (2 of the 3 sites have the tubs please read individual descriptions to find out if the one you chose has one)

98%

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Strawberry Fields Forever

5 sites · RVs5 acres · Watsonville, CA

Welcome to southern Santa Cruz County, home of some of the longest and most beautiful beaches in central California. We are located in La Selva Beach, a five-minute walk to Manresa State Beach. We are a small, working farm with vegetable and flower gardens, chickens and bees. There are many excellent places to hike, walk, surf, swim, tide pool or just sit and enjoy the view. SELF CONTAINED UNITS ONLY We offer quiet campsites with fantastic views of the three hundred acres of strawberry fields that back up to our property. Our campsites provide water and electric hookups and only appropriate for self-contained recreational vehicles and trailers. One of the sites has no size constraints on RVs or trailers. Our Valley View site is limited to rigs 26 feet long or less. We do not offer personal hygiene services e.g. porta potty, sinks or showers). We do not accommodate tent camping. We love to host guests and will provide information about things to do and see in our area. We often loan our State Parks pass so that you can venture out to Point Lobos, Wilder Ranch, Sunset Beach, Natural Bridges and more. Our property is peaceful and restorative. Our sites are about 30 yards apart. Each camp site includes a fire pit and a bundle of wood. Surf boards, Boogey boards and wetsuits are available for rent from the surf shop on site. We are 15 minutes from the village of Capitola, 30 minutes from downtown Santa Cruz and 45 minutes to Monterey. There is a Dump station 5 minutes down the road at the KOA (for a fee).

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Dreamy California Coast Airstreams

4 sites · Lodging30 acres · Pescadero, CA

This is private 30 acres property overlooking the stunning Tunitas Beach and Pacific ocean from a breathtaking ocean cliff view. Stunning sunrise and sunset greet you in these fully equipped Airstreams. Fully loaded with all the amenities to make your glamping experience perfect. Fire pit, BBQ, Pizza oven, A/C, Heater, full kitchen with all necessary cookware and serving dishes to cook inside the airstream or on the BBQ or Pizza oven outside. Comes will full bathroom with hot shower. Truly a rare and memorable experience, located within 9 mins of Half Moon Bay shopping. Beach access short walk or drive.

The best camping near New Brighton State Beach guide

Overview

About

In a protected cove at the site of a former Chinese fishing village just east of Santa Cruz, New Brighton is one of the most popular beach parks in the region. Campers can safely swim, paddle board, boogie board, fish, and picnic here. The scenic 93-acre park also includes an informative visitor center, hiking trails, and forested bluffs that tower above the wide sandy beach, home to a family-friendly campground offering more than 100 campsites for tents, RVs, and groups. Campers enjoy plenty of amenities and sweeping views of the Monterey Bay and Marine Sanctuary.

Notable Camping Spots

Best for RVs: Campsites 46 to 56 at the New Brighton Campground offer electric hookups, suitable for RV up to 36 feet long.
Best for views: Nine premium campsites are situated closest to the bluff overlooking the ocean.
Best for groups: On the west side of the campground, three tent-only group campsites can fit up to 25 people each.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Reserve a campsite as soon as you know your dates, especially over the summer. Sites can be reserved up to seven months in advance.
If your plans are flexible, try to visit during the week or during non-holiday periods.
If you don’t have reservations, plan to show up early to see if there are any unreserved sites available.

When to go

Summers are popular, though September and October offer some of the nicest weather. Junior ranger and campfire programs are available over the summer. Massive migrations of sooty shearwaters are a sight to behold in the summer and fall skies. Look for gray whales in the winter and spring and humpbacks in the summer and fall. Inclement weather in the fall and winter can cause the park to close. The Pacific Migrations Visitor Center is open in the spring and summer.

Know before you go

Accessible features include the visitor center, campfire center, five campsites, and all restrooms. Beach wheelchairs are also available.
Fires are only permitted in designated fire rings at the campground and beach. Do not gather firewood, which is available for purchase at the campground.
Alcohol and glass is only permitted at the campground, not at the beach.
You do not need a license to fish from the pier, but California Fish and Wildlife limits still apply.
Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a leash six feet or shorter, and must be kept indoors at night.