Caswell Memorial State Park

Phone Number

(209) 826-1197

Park Hours

Year-round day use
8:00am to sunset

Dogs Allowed?

Yes
Dogs are welcome at the park but not allowed on trails, in the river, on beaches, and must always be on a leash.

Driving Directions to Caswell Memorial SP

From 99, take the Austin Rd. exit. Head South on Austin Rd. and you will run into the park at the end of the road.

Visitors will be able to reserve campsites and lodging six months in advance from the current date. Bookings may extend from the arrival date to the desired departure date – based on availability and the park’s maximum stay rules.

Upcoming Park Events

No events scheduled at this moment.

BOATING
Boating
OVERNIGHT FACILITIES
Family Campsites
Group Campsites
Hike or Bike Campsites
RV Access
TRAIL USE
Bike Trails
Hiking Trails
DAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
Picnic Areas
Exhibits and Programs
Fishing
Interpretive Exhibits
Beach Area
Swimming
Nature & Wildlife Viewing
Family Programs
OTHER FACILITIES & VISITOR INFORMATION
Parking
Restrooms / Showers
Restrooms
Drinking Water Available
Wheelchair Accessible

Safety Notification:

Summer Branch Drop
Caswell Memorial State Park is experiencing a phenomenon known as Summer Branch Drop. The term describes the failure of mature tree branches in summer, with no obvious cause. The failure of trees is inherently unpredictable.

Safety Notification/Summer Branch Drop (pdf)

Entrance of Caswell Memorial State Park
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.

The Native Americans who lived along this river and collected acorns among these ancient groves were Yokuts. In the early 1800s, Spanish explorers traversed this area, and fur trappers found the river bountiful.

Thomas Caswell, landowner, enjoyed this wonderful forest and felt it should be preserved. In 1950 the children and grand children donated 134 acres to the people of California. Additional donations and state purchases brought Caswell to its current size of 258 acres. Caswell Memorial State Park was open to the public in 1958.

Location - Directions

From 99, take the Austin Rd. exit. Head South on Austin Rd. and you will run into the park at the end of the road.

Seasons/Climate Recommended Clothing

Winter 45-50 degrees.
Summer 85-100 degrees.
It’s not unusual to go several consecutive days with 100+ temperatures June through September. Mosquitoes are among the resident wildlife so come prepared to live with them!!!

Facilities and Activities

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.