Save
You must be signed in to save park lists.
Your Park Lists
add New List
Add Photo
You must be signed in to add photos.
state route ranger badge
California
60

California State Parks

responsive menu icon
USA Parks
California
Central Coast & Central Valley Region
Caswell Memorial State Park
start slideshow
Caswell Memorial State Park © John Carey
Caswell Memorial State Park © John Carey
Caswell Memorial State Park © John Carey
Caswell Memorial State Park © John Carey
Caswell Memorial State Park © John Carey
Caswell Memorial State Park © John Carey
Caswell Memorial State Park © John Carey
Caswell Memorial State Park © John Carey
Caswell Memorial State Park © John Carey
Search
Availability
Calendars
Availability Search
CASWELL MEMORIAL STATE PARK
CASWELL MEMORIAL STATE PARK
28000 South Austin Road
Ripon , California   95366

Phone: 209-599-3810
Reservations: 209-599-3810
The park is located along the Stanislaus River near the town of Ripon, California. The park's 258 acres protect 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.

History of the Area
Located in California's San Joaquin Valley, the park was established in 1952. It is named after Thomas Caswell who owned and preserved the land until his death in 1917. The area was donated by his children to protect its unique riparian oak woodland ecosystem.

The park covers an area of approximately 258 acres along Stanislaus River bank with a diverse range of wildlife species including river otters, foxes and over hundred bird species.

In recent years it has faced closure threats due to budget cuts but remains open today thanks to local community efforts.

FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
Camping
- Basic Camping: Offers 64 campsites with picnic tables, fire rings and food lockers.
- Group Camping: Provides two group campgrounds accommodating up to 50 people each.
- RV camping: Allows recreational vehicles but no hookups are available.
- Day-use Picnic Area: Available for daytime picnics or barbecues only; not suitable for overnight stays.


Location
Caswell Memorial State Park is located near Ceres, Escalon and Lathrop

Trails
- River Walk Trail: A 1.5-mile trail that follows the Stanislaus River, offering views of riparian habitats and wildlife.

- Log Jam Nature Loop: An easy half-mile loop through a dense forested area with interpretive signs about local flora and fauna.

- Raccoon Run Trail: This is an approximately one mile long path winding along the river's edge; it offers opportunities for bird watching and spotting other wildlife species like raccoons or deer.

- Gray Fox Trot Pathway: Approximately three-quarters of a mile in length, this pathway meanders through mixed woodland areas where gray foxes are often sighted at dusk or dawn.

-Otter Slide Interpretative Route : Half-a-mile route featuring information boards explaining otters' behavior patterns as well as their habitat within Caswell Memorial State Park boundaries

-Cottonwood Grove Hiking Track : One-and-half miles track passing by cottonwoods groves providing shade during summer months while also serving home to various birds species including woodpeckers.

-Riparian Boardwalk Accessible Pathway - Wheelchair-friendly boardwalk stretching over quarter-of-a-milie into park's heart allowing visitors experience diverse ecosystem without disturbing natural surroundings

-Swamp Laurel Stroll - Shortest among all trails measuring only third-of-the-mile but provides close-up view swamp laurel trees which bloom beautifully every spring season

-Turtle Pond Promenade - Less than half-a-mile walk leading towards turtle pond known for its rich aquatic life especially turtles basking on logs under sun

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
February 22 The only park we will camp out at. by forgetmenot3641
park review stars; one to five Caswell is the only park we will camp out at.We feel very safe there {though I dont like the wolves}. We have been going every summer for the last 4 years. I have only one complaint and thats the one of the hosts there is not friendly at all!! I hope and pray that it will never be shut down.
July 27 A great surprise
park review stars; one to five This park is an oasis in the middle of the central valley. Lots of trees, campsites are large, fairly private and well shaded. The swim beach is great.We really enjoyed it.
August 12 Beautiful Park
park review stars; one to five Lots of different trees- lots of shade. The river was low but has enough water to wade & float down from the campsites to the day use area.
write a review read more reviews
Share On

Area Campgrounds
French Camp RV Park & Golf Course
3919 E French Camp Road
Manteca, CA
209-234-3001
Islander Mobile & RV Park
20801 South Woodward Avenue #43
Manteca, CA
916-482-5355
Two Rivers RV Park
31021 Two Rivers Road
Manteca, CA
209-823-8434
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

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.
Latitude/Longitude: 37.7005 / -121.1243.

state route ranger badge
California
60

California State Parks

X