Caswell Memorial State Park

Introduction of Caswell Memorial State Park

Caswell Memorial State Park is one of California’s most pristine examples of a riparian forest ecosystem, thanks to the Stanislaus River and surrounding oak forests.

Visitors to the park can enjoy 258 acres of protected lands that are home to a variety of wildlife, including several endangered species. The area is especially popular with bird watchers hoping to see hawks, owls, and waterfowl.

Use the river’s cool waters to your advantage by swimming at one of two designated swim beaches or canoeing, kayaking, and tubing down the waterway as it winds through the park.

The Stanislaus River is also popular among anglers, who catch bass, catfish, bluegill, and, at certain times of the year, migrating Chinook salmon.

Hikers of all abilities can find a nature trail tailored to their abilities in Caswell Memorial State Park’s extensive trail system. Call ahead to schedule a Ranger-led hike to learn more about the park’s native wildlife, plants, and history.

Caswell Memorial State Park Campground has 64 family campsites with picnic tables, camp stoves, and food lockers. Hot showers, restrooms, and the beach are all easily accessible to visitors.

Caswell Memorial State Park Camping

There are 65 family campsites in a pleasant wooded area beside the river, each with a table, camp stove, and food locker. Trailers up to 21 feet long and motor homes up to 24 feet long will be allowed on the sites. There are no hookups available. The group campground can accommodate up to 50 tents, but it has been known to flood during the spring.

Caswell Memorial State Park Activities

Boating

The Stanislaus River is the ideal location for exploring Caswell Memorial State Park and getting a true sense of the park’s unique natural surroundings. Only hand-powered watercraft are permitted. Canoes and kayaks are popular among locals and can be rented in the area if you don’t have your own. Many visitors also choose to tube down the river. A hand boat launch is available at Willow Beach Day Use Area and Salmon Bend Camp Beach.

Fishing

Caswell Memorial State Park is surrounded by the Stanislaus River. Anglers of all skill levels enjoy fishing in the slow-moving, muddy-bottomed river. Many fish species thrive in the area. Fishermen can catch largemouth, smallmouth, and striped bass, sturgeon, bluegill, catfish, shad, and buffalo carp on any given summer day. Chinook salmon migrate through the area every year. Walk directly from the campground to the water’s edge, or set up camp anywhere along the shore for the day. A valid California fishing licence is required for all anglers aged 16 and up.

Swimming

Nothing beats a refreshing dip in the river on a hot California day. There are two designated swimming areas at Caswell Memorial State Park. The first is Salmon Bend Camp Beach, which is right next to the campground. Willow Beach, on the other hand, is in the Day Use area. There are no lifeguards on duty. Park rangers advise visitors to wear life jackets at all times when in or near the water, as water levels in the area can change quickly and unexpectedly.

Picnicking

A picnic by the water is always a fun activity at Caswell Memorial State Park, no matter the season. Willow Beach and Oak Grove both have day use picnic areas. Big Meadows has a larger group picnic area on the shore. All of the park’s picnic areas have tables and grills and are within walking distance of the swimming and boating areas. A fat-tire wheelchair can be borrowed from the Ranger Station to help guests get from the parking lot to the picnic areas closer to the beach.

Hiking

The park’s abundance of extensive nature trails is one of its most beautiful features. The trails provide a glimpse of the valley’s riparian ecosystem in its natural state.

Water Sports

Swimming is restricted to a few key areas of the Stanislaus River to protect habitat, but it still allows for rounds of immersion in the immediate riparian ecosystem. Call the Caswell Memorial State Park office ahead of time for information on Stanislaus River and other water body conditions.

Caswell Memorial State Park Location

Caswell Memorial State Park is located in the Central Valley of California, just outside of Ripon. The park is about an hour’s drive from Sacramento and about 25 minutes from Modesto.

The park is easily accessible via Austin Rd from Highway 99. Visitors travelling south on Austin Road will come to a halt at the park’s entrance.

All park roads are paved and designed to be easily navigated by RV or trailer. The campground area is designed on a loop to make it easy for motorists to enter and exit.

Two vehicles can be parked at a campsite. Additional parking is available near the campground, Big Meadows picnic area, and Willow Beach. Vehicles must stay on paved roads and park only in designated areas. The speed limit of 15 mph is strictly enforced.

Bicycles are permitted on paved park roads and fire roads, but not on trails. Helmets are required for all riders under the age of 18. Every biker should have a headlight and reflectors.

The Oak Grove picnic area, parking, restrooms, and showers are all ADA accessible. A fat-tire wheelchair can be borrowed from the Ranger Station to help you navigate the self-guided tour. The 07-mile nature trail is now more accessible.

Public Transport

There is no public transportation available.

Parking

Parking is available for Caswell Memorial State Park