CASWELL MEMORIAL STATE PARK
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.
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.
Day-UseFishingyes
Hiking Trailyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
- 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.