Caswell Memorial RV & Campground Guide
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Caswell Memorial State Park was the brainchild of Thomas Caswell, who owned the property prior to 1950. In that year, the park's 134 acres were donated to the State of California by Caswell's children and grandchildren in accordance with his wishes. Caswell Memorial State Park is in one of the last riparian oak forests in the Central Valley in California. It's declining, but conservation efforts are ongoing.
Although both Caswell Memorial State Park and its accompanying campground are currently open, the area is under an ongoing warning for "summer branch drop." That means that otherwise healthy, mature trees can suddenly have their branches fall off. Exercise caution when hiking and avoid any camping spots under mature trees. Contact the park for up-to-date information.
Nearby cities include the following.
Ripon, CA
San Jose, CA
San Francisco, CA
Modesto, CA
Spring 68-82 F
Summer 88-100 F
Fall 66-82 F
Winter 55-62 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Caswell Memorial
Campground Accommodations
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookups: No
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 24 feet for RVs, 21 feet for trailers
Other amenities: fire rings, grills, food lockers, picnic tables, communal potable water, boat launch, flush toilets, restrooms, and showers
Caswell Memorial State Park Campground
If you’re bringing a smaller RV, the best campsites for exploring Caswell Memorial State Park are located inside the park boundaries. Each of the 64 sites is equipped with a picnic table, a locker for food, and a camp stove, so you can enjoy meals al fresco. Enjoy the shade in the wooded spots, and fall asleep feeling relaxed thanks to the sounds of the nearby river. The sites are small, so this campground allows motorhomes up to 24 feet long. Keep in mind that you’ll need to pay extra fees if you’re bringing a passenger vehicle. Sites start at $30 per night.
Two Rivers RV Park
Located just 15 minutes from Caswell Memorial State Park, Two Rivers RV Park is a great option if you’re bringing a boat. Campsites are located close to the park’s boat launch, so you can leave your site in the morning and be on the water in minutes for the best fishing. If you’d like, it’s even possible to fish right from the shore. Sites here are primitive but large enough for bigger RVs. Every spot is close to the river, and you'll also get access to campfire facilities for the full camping experience. Rates vary, so call the park for details.
French Camp RV Park
If you’re looking for luxurious camping during your trip to Caswell Memorial State Park, head straight for French Camp RV Park. Here, you’ll find all of the amenities for a comfortable stay, including full hookups, daily trash pickup, and free Wi-Fi at the clubhouse. The park’s swimming pool and hot tub make great places to relax, and the playground keeps little ones entertained. There’s even a fitness center for active travelers. Other handy facilities include the general store, laundry room, and restroom building with hot showers. Pets are welcome, and you'll find a dog park for fun evening walks. Choose back-in sites for $49.50 per night or pull-through sites for $54.50 per night. If you’re staying for one or two weeks, you’ll get a great discount.
What to Do at
Caswell Memorial
Swimming is one of the most popular activities at Caswell Memorial State Park, particularly in the searing heat of summer. Tubing is also a fun way for you to cool off with your family. Boating, too, is popular, and you can set off from the boat launch at the north end of the park's campground. Hikers will find the nature trails easy and relaxing.
As with most state parks that lie next to bodies of water, it's water-based activities that people most enjoy.
Inside Caswell Memorial
One of the highlights of Caswell Memorial State Park is the trail network — with short and long routes, it’s easy to find a hike for families or experienced trekkers. Wander next to the river to enjoy the cool breezes, or head into the oak forest for a calm, shaded walk. If you’re visiting in the warmer months, cool off with a dip in the Stanislaus River. Fish for bass and catfish during the day, and check the park schedule to learn about the ranger-led nature walks and campfire programs. Be sure to bring your binoculars as the bird-watching opportunities in the park are exceptional.
Hiking
The three nature trails range in length from 0.8 miles to 3.7 miles. They're flat trails that wind through the oak forest. Remember to watch for suddenly falling branches.
Stargazing
Although Ripon is only 5 miles away, the trees provide some cover from the light pollution, allowing you to set up your telescope and observe the heavens. If your campsite adjoins the beach, then lying on the sand and looking up is also good for stargazing.
Flora and Fauna
Bears don't roam the Central Valley as much as they did 100 years ago, but there are still black bears occasionally. That's the reason for the food lockers! Also, you'll find reptiles like the southern alligator lizard and the gopher snake. There are also many varieties of birds, such as the barn owl, turkey vulture, and great blue heron. The luckiest of visitors might catch sight of "Lupine," or California Condor #597, soaring high on his 10-foot wings. There might be 60 condors living in the Central Valley, so keep your cameras pointed skyward for these magnificent creatures.
Geocaching
There's a geocache on one of the trails in Caswell Memorial State Park.
Fishing
The Stanislaus River contains crappie, both common kinds of bass, and catfish. Sometimes, multiple species of trout join the party. Rarely, you might also be able to hook a salmon or carp exploring upstream from the junction of the Stanislaus and the San Joaquin River. You can fish 10 months out of the year, with November and December off limits for stocking and spawning.
Boating
Most of the boating on the Stanlislaus River is restricted to boats with no motors. In some sections of the river, you may use motors of 10 horsepower or less. Contact the park to ask for further information.
Swimming
Occasionally, the river will be unsafe for swimming. On days when the water's at safe levels and speed, swimming is a terrific way to cool off from the summer sun. Riding tubes on the river is also popular. There are no lifeguards on duty, so young children and non-swimmers are required to wear lifejackets when in or near the water.
How to Get to
Caswell Memorial
From San Jose and all points west, take Route 130 east. Follow it to Route 33 in Patterson, bypassing Route 5. Follow Route 33 northwest until you reach the junction with Route 132. Turn east on Route 132 until you reach Kasson Road. Turn north on Kasson Road. Follow that to Airport Way. Turn northeast on Airport Way. Drive to Perrin Road, and turn east. Follow Perrin Road east until you reach Manteca Road. Turn south on Manteca Road. Melton Road is only a few hundred feet further on. Turn east on Melton Road. When you get to Austin Road, turn south. It goes to Caswell Memorial State Park.
From Ripon and all points east, follow West Ripon Road to Austin Road. Turn south on Austin Road, and follow it to Caswell Memorial State Park.
By Car
Entering Caswell Memorial
It costs $10 per day to park during the week, and $12 per day on weekends.
Caswell Memorial Per Weekday : $10.0
Caswell Memorial Weekends : $12.0
If you’re heading to Caswell Memorial State Park, we’d love to hear about the trip. Tag RVshare in your Facebook or Instagram posts, and our team will follow along on the journey. You can also send your memories, photos, and tips to [email protected]. We’ll publish our favorites in a blog post or on our social media pages to help other travelers get the most from their visits.
Frequently Asked Questions About Caswell Memorial
The best time to visit is the fall or winter because you avoid the scorching heat of summer, and the fishing is best during the fall. If you take proper heat precautions and don't mind occasional triple-digit temperatures, then summer is OK, too, especially if you like to swim.
You'll find reptiles, birds, and other small game within the campground. Along the trails, you might also encounter a black bear or mountain lion. Be sure to keep well back from these animals. The trails are great for birding, so having your species notebook and camera along is a good idea.
Yes, there are 64 RV-specific campsites along with a single tent-only campsite that is big enough for 50 people.
Yes, you have to have reservations. You can make them up to two days before arrival and as far back as six months. The cost is $30 per night for an RV campsite.
Yes, your pets are allowed. You must keep them leashed when outside a tent or your vehicle, and those leashes must be no more than 6 feet long. You may not take your pets into the showers, or any other building, or into the communal picnic area or beach.
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