Caswell Memorial State Park
Discover a rare old-growth riparian forest along the Stanislaus River, offering camping, fishing, and a peaceful escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more tranquility
Caswell Memorial State Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more tranquility
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a rare old-growth riparian forest along the Stanislaus River, offering camping, fishing, and a peaceful escape.
"A peaceful getaway with a beautiful river and rare old-growth forest, perfect for camping and nature lovers."
Book Campsites Early
Reservations are essential, especially for weekends and holidays. Book well in advance to secure your spot! :calendar:
Mosquito Repellent is Key
The riverbanks can be buggy. Pack plenty of insect repellent to enjoy your time outdoors comfortably. :bug:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Old-Growth Riparian Forest
Throughout the park
Explore one of California's rare remaining old-growth riparian forests, teeming with diverse plant and animal life.
Stanislaus River
Along the park's edge
Enjoy the gentle flow of the Stanislaus River, perfect for fishing, swimming, or simply relaxing by the water.
Willow Beach Trail
Willow Beach Trail
A peaceful walk through nature, offering scenic views and a chance to connect with the park's natural beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Nature Lovers
Embrace the Outdoors: Camping & Day Use
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Campsites Early
Reservations are essential, especially for weekends and holidays. Book well in advance to secure your spot! :calendar:
Mosquito Repellent is Key
The riverbanks can be buggy. Pack plenty of insect repellent to enjoy your time outdoors comfortably. :bug:
Pack for River Fun
Bring swimwear, towels, and fishing gear. The Stanislaus River is perfect for a refreshing dip or a relaxing float. :fishing_pole::swimmer:
Respect Quiet Hours
This park is for relaxation, not parties. Game wardens and sheriffs patrol, so be mindful of noise levels. :speakerwiththree_dots:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Campsites Early
Reservations are essential, especially for weekends and holidays. Book well in advance to secure your spot! :calendar:
Mosquito Repellent is Key
The riverbanks can be buggy. Pack plenty of insect repellent to enjoy your time outdoors comfortably. :bug:
Pack for River Fun
Bring swimwear, towels, and fishing gear. The Stanislaus River is perfect for a refreshing dip or a relaxing float. :fishing_pole::swimmer:
Respect Quiet Hours
This park is for relaxation, not parties. Game wardens and sheriffs patrol, so be mindful of noise levels. :speakerwiththree_dots:
Check Shower Costs
Showers are available but require quarters. Bring some change for a hot shower after a day of exploring. :dollar_bank:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Caswell Memorial State Park for its beautiful, shady campgrounds and the wonderful Stanislaus River, perfect for swimming and fishing. The park's rare old-growth riparian forest is a significant draw. However, some note issues with aggressive mosquitoes, limited overflow parking, and occasional campsite upkeep concerns like ants and spiders.
"Camp 🏕️ grounds & day use areas are fantastic 🤩 - wish there was more overflow parking 🅿️ for both the campground and day use areas; car fees are $10 dollars. Tent camping sites are 30 and include one vehicle 🛻. $10 for extra vehicle, two spaces.
The river is wonderful! 😅
You may see cows 🐄 , chickens 🐓, turtles 🐢, cranes 🦢, etc… along side the waterfront while you float."
KelleyMaureen
"Lovely views of the Stanislaus river which wends it's way thru the park. Lots of interesting nature, including elderberries and rose hips. This flat walk is marred only by the aggressive mosquito population."
caitlin spaan
"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 😊"
Sweta Padhy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Caswell Memorial State Park is located in Ripon, California. It's accessible by car via Highway 99. Take the Austin Road exit and follow signs to the park. Parking fees apply for day use.
Public transportation options are limited for reaching Caswell Memorial State Park. It is best accessed by private vehicle. Consider ride-sharing services if you are traveling without a car.
From the Bay Area, take I-580 E to I-205 E, then merge onto CA-120 E towards Manteca. Take the CA-99 S exit towards Bakersfield and then the Austin Road exit for Caswell Memorial State Park.
It's always a good idea to check local traffic conditions and Caltrans for any road closures or construction impacting Highway 99 before your trip. This can help avoid unexpected delays.
The park is relatively compact and easy to navigate by car to reach different areas like campgrounds and picnic spots. Walking and biking are excellent ways to explore the trails and riverfront.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Day use fees are typically $10 per vehicle. Tent camping sites are around $30 and include one vehicle. Extra vehicles incur an additional fee of $10.
Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekends and holidays. You can usually book campsites through the California State Parks reservation system.
Park hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official California State Parks website for the most up-to-date information on operating hours for both day use and camping.
It's advisable to have both cash and card options available. Some park entrances may have limited card processing capabilities, and cash is often preferred for smaller fees. Check the park's specific payment policies.
California State Parks may offer various passes, such as the Golden Poppy Pass, which can provide access to multiple parks. Inquire about any available discounts or passes when booking or upon arrival.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Enjoy hiking on trails like the Willow Beach Trail, fishing and swimming in the Stanislaus River, picnicking, and camping. The park is also great for wildlife viewing. 
Yes, it's a popular camping destination with spacious, shady sites. While there are no hookups at campsites, water spigots are nearby. Showers are available for a small fee.
You might spot cows, chickens, turtles, and cranes along the waterfront. The park's riparian forest is home to many endangered species.
Yes, the park offers day-use areas with picnic tables and fire rings, including a group picnic campground. It's a great spot for a family outing.
While specific accessibility details can vary, many state parks strive to provide accessible pathways and facilities. It's recommended to contact the park directly for the most current accessibility information.
🎫 🦟 Nature & Wildlife
Wildlife viewing can be rewarding year-round, but spring and fall often offer pleasant weather for spotting various species. Keep an eye out near the riverbanks and in the forest.
Yes, the park is a habitat for several endangered species, highlighting the importance of its protected riparian ecosystem.
Always maintain a safe distance from wildlife. Never feed animals, as it can disrupt their natural behaviors and diets. Observe them respectfully from afar.
Information on guided walks or programs is not widely advertised. However, the park's natural beauty and unique ecosystem offer ample opportunities for self-guided exploration and learning.
The park features a diverse array of trees, including cottonwoods, willows, and oaks, characteristic of a healthy riparian ecosystem.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The park's trails, like the Willow Beach Trail, are generally flat and easy for little legs to navigate, making for pleasant family walks. Camping here provides an immersive outdoor experience, with spacious sites and natural surroundings that kids will love. Remember to pack plenty of snacks, sun protection, and insect repellent, as mosquitoes can be present near the water. 🏕️ Campers Seeking Serenity
🚶♀️ Nature Walkers & Birdwatchers
+1 The diverse plant life supports a rich bird population, making it a rewarding spot for birdwatching. Keep an eye out for various species along the river and within the forest. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Riparian Ecosystem
+1The park's commitment to preserving this delicate ecosystem means visitors can witness a landscape that has remained largely untouched by development. The river itself plays a vital role, supporting the lush vegetation and providing a water source for the diverse fauna. Birdwatchers will find plenty to observe, from wading birds along the riverbanks to songbirds in the forest canopy.
When exploring the riparian areas, remember to tread lightly and respect the natural environment. The park's efforts to maintain this habitat are commendable, offering a valuable educational opportunity for all visitors to learn about the importance of riverine ecosystems and the species they support.
Camping and River Recreation
The Stanislaus River is a central attraction for recreation. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and simply relaxing by the water. The river's gentle flow makes it suitable for a leisurely float, and the surrounding natural beauty enhances the experience. It's a perfect spot for families to enjoy outdoor activities together.
It's important to note that the park is patrolled by game wardens and sheriffs, emphasizing its role as a peaceful retreat rather than a party destination. Booking campsites in advance is highly recommended, as the park can become quite busy, especially when children are out of school.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit