Caswell Memorial State Park
California

Caswell Memorial State Park

Available Activities
  • Hiking
  • Camping
  • Swimming
  • Fishing
  • Boating
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Picnicking
  • Biking
  • Historic Sites
Verified by America’s State Parks Editorial Team – Updated February 2026

Caswell Memorial State Park preserves one of California’s last riparian oak forests—with 64 campsites, 2 swim beaches, and excellent bass fishing on the Stanislaus River!

Swim Beaches

BeachLocation
🏊 Salmon Bend Camp BeachNear campground
🏖️ Willow BeachDay-use area
⚠️ No Lifeguards!Wear life jackets

Camping

FeatureDetails
Sites64 (no hookups)
🚐 RVsUp to 24ft
🛠️ IncludesTable, stove, food locker
🚿 ShowersHot

Stanislaus River Fishing

Largemouth/smallmouth/striped bass, catfish, crappie. Chinook salmon migrate seasonally. Nov–Dec typically closed for spawning.

FAQ

Are dogs allowed on trails?

No! Only service animals are permitted on trails.

🌳 California’s Riparian Oasis

Reserve at ReserveCalifornia.

Quick Facts

  • Location: California
  • Coordinates: 37.6833, -121.1667
  • Activities: Hiking, Camping, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing
  • Pets: Allowed on leash in most areas (check local rules)

Things to Do

California state parks span an extraordinary range of landscapes — from ancient redwood forests and rugged Pacific coastline to Mojave Desert dunes and Sierra Nevada alpine meadows. Depending on the park, visitors can enjoy hiking through old-growth groves, swimming and surfing along miles of wild beaches, camping beneath towering sequoias, kayaking coastal sea caves, mountain biking oak-studded foothills, fishing in alpine lakes, rock climbing granite formations, and wildlife watching for everything from elephant seals to California condors.

Best Time to Visit

California’s parks are a year-round destination, though the ideal season depends on the region. Coastal parks enjoy mild weather from spring through fall. Desert parks are best visited October through April. Mountain parks in the Sierra Nevada are most accessible June through October. Spring brings wildflower super blooms. Fall offers thinner crowds and stunning foliage at higher elevations.

Visitor Tips

Most California state parks charge a day-use parking fee of $10 per vehicle. An annual pass ($125) is recommended. Camping reservations through ReserveCalifornia up to 6 months in advance. Cell service is limited in many parks. Dogs are generally allowed in campgrounds but not on most trails or beaches.

Explore More California State Parks

Caswell Memorial State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in California. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in California guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.

Sarah Mitchell

About the Author

Outdoor Editor & Trail Expert

Sarah Mitchell is an outdoor writer and trail researcher with over 8 years of experience exploring state parks across America. As the lead editor at AmericasStateParks.org, she has personally visited more than 200 parks in 42 states, logging thousands of trail miles and hundreds of campground nights. Sarah specializes in detailed park guides, accessibility information, and family-friendly outdoor planning. Her work focuses on helping first-time visitors feel confident and well-prepared for their state park adventures.

200+ state parks visited across 42 states | 8+ years of outdoor writing

Last updated: February 20, 2026

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