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
Great for new hikers, flat with many opportunities to lengthen or shorten your loop. Well maintained and clean..
A lovely afternoon here at the California State park along the Stanislas River in Ripon, CA. USA. Serene and tranquil and just lovely is our visit here for the first time. Just 20 miles out of Stockton California we headed south to Rippon California to this lovely park where we enjoyed the surroundings the serenity and the moos of the nearby cows grazing. I bought large live red worms at a bait shop in Stockton anticipating doing some fishing on the river, and after my first cast unfortunately I got a snag and lost my tackle. The current is Swift this time of the year and we enjoyed a lovely picnic with a bottle of wine along the banks of the river. We intend to visit again hopefully for camping in the summer months, and I will try doing some fishing again. Lots and lots of beautiful hiking here. I recommend visiting if you’re by yourself or with a special someone, or with a group of people. Day use parking was only $10, and $12 on holidays. There are plenty of picnic tables barbecues and restrooms for all to enjoy. Camping requires a separate nominal fee.
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.
