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
We visited to get outside before sunset. We visited during the dry season, so the smell is a little strong. Overall, the trail wasn’t crowded and it was a soothing walk
My family did a day visit. We found a great spot with trees 🌳 for shade and picnic tables and close to the bathrooms. We bbq and played football and board games. We did not bring our dog there due to a lot of cats that run free. We had 5 that just waited on the side for scraps, but we didn't feed them. One thing I would recommend is taking a mosquito repellent. There are a lot of mosquitoes there🦟. The restrooms are clean. Parking was no problem. Just get their early. And all day pass $10 a car, but Seniors $9 and military I believe are free.
Great spot for camping and floating on the river! Bathrooms and campsites were well maintained for the most part. I don’t think they sell firewood here but fires were allowed in the pit at the site. We were there on a weekend and it’s a party spot for sure - expect music and noise well into the night. And if not that, it’s the sounds coyotes and feral cats all night.
Beautiful and serene river to visit and relax. Considering the summers here can reach well over 100° F the cool, clear water is a welcome relief. Caswell is a gorgeous hidden gem. I can't give any insight to the walking trails, but if they're anything like the rest of the area, you won't be disappointed. The major drawback is the mosquitoes. They are plentiful, hungry and large. They also seem to not be deterred by mosquito repellent. Luckily they are not at the little beach area or river. You just have to make it from the parking lot, down the trail to the beach. The beach area has no shade, so you need to bring your own and is a really steep slant. There are plenty of picnic areas available throughout the park and a few restrooms as well. Keep in mind these are outdoor restrooms in a forest, so they have bugs and things. You can camp here too but I have never done that. For the price it's worth a visit.
Water is fresh bring a life jacket because the current is fast . Little kids need an extra eye because of the current. The water was not deep and by the sand area gets really crowded and no shade if you want to be by the water. There is picnic tables and a lot of mosquitos
