Caswell Memorial State Park
Hours
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Overview
The park is located along the Stanislaus River near the town of Ripon, California. The park protects a fine example of the threatened and still declining riparian oak woodland, which once flourished throughout California's Central Valley. Caswell is home to several endangered animal species, including the riparian brush rabbit which is not known to occur anywhere else.
Several species of fish including bass, catfish, crappie and more await your most enticing fishing technique.
Campfire programs, Junior ranger programs and nature walks are given every weekend throughout the summer. Interpretive walks and talks for school, service and social groups are available by making prior arrangements with park staff.
The Stanislaus River meanders through the park, with beaches and swimming areas near the park’s day use and campground facilities.
One of the most magnificent aspects the park has to offer is its seemingly endless nature trails. The trails allow a glimpse of what the riparian ecosystem of the valley would have looked like in pristine times. A majestic Oak Forest is surrounded by many other lush plant species, some of which are rarely found anywhere else in the area.
The park offers a rich variety of wildlife viewing. While many of the wildlife species here are nocturnal and rarely seen, bird watching is a favorite among nature lovers. Red shouldered and red tailed hawks are often seen, along with dozens of other winged artists.
Hours of Operation:
- Open for year-round day use, 8:00am to sunset
- Entrance station open Spring and Fall weekends, most days May through September
Such an amazing campground. Beautiful spacious spots with lots of trees. When kids are out of school its really busy. They have regular bathrooms with water. No water at the spots but there are spickets near. The beach isn't huge but its nice. They kept it well maintained as well. Don't come here to be loud and party. Game warden and sherif patrol often. There are showers also but cost a little bring quarters. Nice picnic tables and fire pits. Enjoy
This state park, which features a lovely flowing river and offers options for camping and day picnics, including a group picnic campground (tent only) where RVs are also permitted, although without electric hookups at the campsites. We have enjoyed camping at this park for the past two consecutive years. Overall, we find it to be a good park. However, during our recent visit, we did have a few concerns regarding the upkeep of the campsites. This time, we experienced a significant presence of red ants and spiders at our campsite, and there was also a noticeable amount of windblown, cotton-like material throughout the area. Additionally, we found that the fire rings were positioned very close to the wooden benches at the campsites, making them somewhat impractical to use. The campsites themselves also felt rather small. Best part is its availability to reserve 😊
$10 fee to get in for day use. Picnic tables, bathrooms, trails, and river are available. Trash cans provided.
Lots of little spots to bbq. The water was a little hard to get to, but same is said with going to some beaches. Overall it’s a really fun place to go enjoy nature, water and have a bbq.
Great for new hikers, flat with many opportunities to lengthen or shorten your loop. Well maintained and clean..
