Best Camping in and near Caswell Memorial State Park

80% (7 reviews)

This little-known area harbors some rare and endangered species.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Caswell Memorial State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Caswell Memorial State Park

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Caswell Memorial Campground

61 sites · RVs, Tents In Caswell Memorial State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Caswell Memorial State Park

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Walden Ranch

2 sites · Tents300 acres · Linden, CA

Walden Ranch began with the purchase of a neighboring 20 acres. Couple that with the inspiration of Thoreau's lines and life at the real Walden Pond, the ranch has grown to nearly 300 acres and the small ranch pond has grown to a 5-acre lake with a 3-acre forest and home. Scouts, family and church groups use the site for gatherings. Available are canoes, bonfire, and exploring the ranch's 300-head cattle, llamas, poultry and wildlife. Pitch your tent in a forest setting alongside a lake on a working cattle ranch. Watch wildlife or hike to smaller lakes on the ranch. Other animals include dogs, llamas, geese, chickens, and horses. The ranch is within a 20 minute drive to either Stockton or Lodi, CA and is surrounded by vineyards, orchards and pastures. Outdoor flush toilets, sink, tables and fire ring available. Forested area is set amidst grazing lands. This "Walden" even has willow trees slipped from Walden Pond, MA. Owner looks forward to sharing this peaceful, special spot!

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Snug Harbor RV Park and Marina

34 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Walnut Grove, CA

Snug Harbor’s resort has a history of providing a great family and pet-friendly location for people who like to fish, boat, or just enjoy the peaceful Waterfront Cabins, RV Sites, and Loft Cottage's with docks space right in front of the sites! Stay at the resort to enjoy the rural beauty of the Delta and spend your days fishing, crabbing, and exploring all the Delta has to offer. The peaceful friendly atmosphere of the campground will have you relaxing the stress away on the patio or under a shade tree. One of the unique things about this area of the Delta is that you can still ride a car ferry to and from Ryer Island. How many people you know can say they have driven their car on a ferry? Don’t want to venture onto a ferry, or you are towing you can use the bridge route to Snug Harbor and Ryer Island.

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The Ranch at Cross Road

11 sites · RVs, Tents84 acres · Livermore, CA

Welcome to the ranch at cross road! We are a family owned organic farm in the heart of Livermore wine country. We have 10 camp sites spread across the property for you to choose from. The property is 15 minutes from Lake Del Valle and some of the best wineries and breweries California has to offer. Settle in and enjoy amazing sunsets every night with us! We accommodate tents,Travel trailers, Fifth wheels, Toy haulers, Pop-up campers, Class A RVs, Class B RVs, Class C RVs, Campervans, and Cars. Our guests love us too! "I had a wonderful stay at Matt’s ranch! It was easy to find even as it was starting to get dark, and the campsites were well lit and easy to find. The ranch is beautiful. It was such a treat to stay here. I would definitely stay again."

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Cole Ranch

10 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Waterford, CA

"I firmly believe that Nature brings solace in all troubles." -Anne Frank- Serene, quiet acreage on the Tuolumne River, with views of the snow capped Sierra Nevadas on a clear day. Scores of wildlife sightings, including river otters, eagles, wild turkeys, beavers, and many more. Perfect for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, or just relaxing. Like to fish? Fishing at Cole Ranch is a Love/Hate thing. If you Love to Fish, you will Hate to leave. Gateway to Yosemite National Park, the Mother Lode region, hiking trails, and spelunking opportunities. All sites have access to our community outdoor kitchen, which has a refrigerator, coffee bar, sink, BBQ's, and stoves. Also available are our bathrooms, quite possibly the cleanest campground bathrooms in the 13 western states, which include flushable toilets, two sinks, and warm showers. Book your visit now. (Group bookings must be approved by host. Group bookings that have not been pre-approved may be cancelled.) *%*% Ever see a meteor shower? Cole Ranch is a perfect place to view one. The Perseid meteor shower is active mid-July through August, with the most active night being August 12. The moon will be 50% illuminated that night, and will set around midnight. With few lights around, there will be lots to see.*%*% (Cole Ranch is a working ranch, surrounded by walnut and almond orchards. Harvest for these orchards occur mid-August thru September, and can create dust and noise. Occasional noise from common ranching activities may be heard. Landscaping activities like mowing, watering, etc. generally occur Mondays-Wednesdays) Check back here periodically for advisories on river conditions. ###EXCITING NEWS### We are working hard to open at least THREE new campsites. These new sites will be more secluded and private than current sites, each with its own path to the river. Earliest these will be open is Mid-September. Contact Barry, coleranch23@icloud.com, for more information. NEW ADDITION We have added two picnic tables with benches to our inventory. These tables are available like our other equipment, First come First served. All we ask is you return any of or stuff to its place after use. **ADVISORY** 6/20/24 River is currently running at normal levels. 4/18/24 River is currently running about 3' above normal. Except for Fisherman's Hideout, all sites remain open. Fisherman's Hideout is currently under water, but should be open some time in May. Fishing is great right now, but water activities will be limited. Will update as changes occur.

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Joyful Heart

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Jamestown, CA

When we moved to the Sierra Foothills, we found this cozy, little spot on the property and we set up a campsite for friends and family. People loved the space so much that we decided to build this cozy cabin and host other guests as well... The hot tub can be filled with fresh water and be heated by wood and/or be filled using the on demand hot water heater. The private outdoor shower is in a beautiful garden setting.

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Gold Wall Ranch & Vineyard

7 sites · Lodging, Tents120 acres · Jamestown, CA

Our property is located above the famous 'Gold Wall' rock climbing area, overlooking Lake Melones. Enjoy the great 360* views of the Sierras and foothills from this 120 acre ranch property. We own a small wine vineyard that offers glamping at its finest. The perfect place to spend one or two nights before your big trip to Yosemite National Park. Our property is NOT recommended for children under 12 yrs old, as we have dangerous cliffs that are straight drop offs. Choose to stay in 1 of our 4 cabins or just pitch a tent and camp under the stars {2 sites available}. The ranch offers fresh Mountain drinking water, with nice shady lawns and Oak trees for shade during the warm Summer weather. Dogs are allowed (2 max) at campsites but NO DOGS in the cabins. We are NOT RESPONSABLE for your animals...they must be on a leash at ALL Times. We have community outdoor areas to enjoy, including picnic tables, a fire pit and a communinal cooking gazebo area equip with BBQ and water. The "Gold Wall" is known for mountain climbing so enjoy the view from above, we offer easy hiking trails, horse shoes, and even mini golf on the "Dragon's Teeth" 6-hole . Looking to relax and rejuvinate your Spirit, book a massage with Michele, a licensed massage therapist, or hang out at the Hawks Lair wine bar on the cliffs edge, overlooking the Gold Wall and Lake Melones. Enjoy the sunset and take in the beauty of the night sky.

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Prospect 772 Winery & Event Center

5 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Angels Camp, CA

Nestled in the picturesque Sierra foothills, this stunning 25-acre property features 5 acres of flourishing vineyards. Enjoy ample space for tent or RV camping, along with two charming glamping cabins equipped with air conditioning and heating. The site also includes three restrooms, one of which is ADA accessible, ensuring comfort and convenience for all guests.

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Windsor Family Farm

2 sites · Lodging1 acres · San Martin, CA

We are a small farm in Silicon Valley. We are basically a petting zoo and kid-friendly destination! You can stay in our "Flying Pig" cabin (sleeps up to 5), or our "Room with a view of a Ewe" (sleeps 3)....or bring friends 'n' family - and reserve both :-) We provide a continental breakfast for free or you can add on a hot breakfast. Wake up to sheep and goats outside your door with a view of the pasture. Please PLEASE read further for more information! and read again just before you come :-) ** To assure you of our cleanliness standards, I clean and air out the cabin, clean the restroom thoroughly, wash bedding and towels and sanitize surfaces. The guest restroom (outside entry in the main house) is shared with other guests. I clean it every day, between every group or guest. We have bikes for kids, playhouses, playground, so many kid activities....and of course, animals galore!! You can feed or pet many of them. Relax, the place is yours! One mile away is Harvey Bear County Park, with trails for bikes, horses or walking. We are 5 minutes from the Gilroy Outlets, yet a world away from the hustle and bustle! Come, relax and enjoy nature! Enjoy Gilroy Gardens (seasonally) or go hiking at a nearby State or County Park. Or just relax at the Farm. We will make this a special day for you! Let us know if you are celebrating an event :-). *Started in Jan 2024, we have had the "Room with a view of a Ewe" as a separate listing. Added new carpet in 2024, as well!* CHECK-IN is after 4:00pm and please give us a 30 min heads-up before your arrival. CHECK OUT is 10am, unless previous arrangements have been made. Please be as specific as you can regarding your arrival time (so I can make the temp in there as comfortable as possible, turn on lights as needed, etc.) ** We are a "Bed and Breakfast"; most days we have other day-guests and events here, so please respect the arrival and check-out times. If you stay 2 nights, please be aware that you most likely won't have the whole farm to yourselves during the day. This is an animal farm. If you love new animal experiences, this is the place for you! If you are scared of or allergic to cats or dogs, this might not be the place for you! If you can't handle new smells and sounds, this might not be the place for you. You will feed and enjoy the animals; please respect their space, no chasing and no going into their enclosures. There is dirt, dust and various country critters. We love Country Life!! If you are adventurous and love animals and want a unique experience, come check us out! Restroom available in the main house (short walk from the cabin). Small fridge and microwave next to the restroom. There is no kitchen/oven/stove available. Gas Fire pit available ; there is no BBQ. We are exceptionally cautious with camp fires. If it is particularly hot and windy, there will be no fires. We now have a gas fire pit where you can create smores or just enjoy the campfire ambiance. Price is $175 for the Flying Pig (up to 5 total). And $99 for the Room with a view of a Ewe :-) (up to 3 total). Another option (as an add-on): you can pitch a tent for $45. "The Flying Pig" has a queen bed, bunk beds twin size, and a loft with a twin mattress, all bedding included. You are not just paying for a place to sleep; you are paying for an experience and the enjoyment of our property :-). We serve a continental breakfast (free) or hot breakfast ($35/cabin) between 8-9am. (we can accommodate vegetarian and dairy free diets; let us know before you come). We provide bedding and towels. There is A/C and a plug-in heater in The Flying Pig. Please do not bring additional things to plug in except for chargers for phone/electronic devices. We are approximately 1 1/2 hours south of San Francisco, 30 min south of San Jose (without traffic). Gilroy Gardens is 15 min away; Harvey Bear County park is 1 mile away; Monterey and Santa Cruz and the Pinnacles National Park are approximately 1 hour away. We recommend bringing dinner or eating before arrival to maximize your evening. In the area: Amazing experience available at the Royal T Ranch nearby, but must book well in advance. They have a camel, ostriches, emus, a cow, mini horses, etc. Also Gilroy Gardens is just 15 minutes away. Contact us for more info. If you want to celebrate a birthday and bring friends for the evening, there is an additional fee for parties. (Please contact us about this). If you want to bring a few friends just to enjoy the evening, we now have that as an add-on. SPECIAL PACKAGES :-). Must be PRE-ordered and paid thru Hipcamp or upon arrival ~ *smore's kit (Everything -- including use of our gas fire pit -- that you will need to create amazing roasted marshmallows and smores sandwiches!) $20 *Child Birthday package: small gift and special treat $10 *use of fire pit (propane expense) $10

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Private Reservoir

3 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Valley Springs, CA

Private property on a private reservoir. Enjoy some quiet time on the water, swimming, fishing, camping or just sitting and enjoying this hidden gem. Conveniently located a couple minutes from town to get some groceries or even fast food and gas. Also minutes from the large lake of New Hogan if your brining a jet ski or boat. Come relax on this 10 acres of private water access. Fish till your heart is content. Please catch and release. We have a variety of fish: Bass, Blue Gill, Cat fish and even some big Carp. Use our row boat or bring your own kayak, SUP, canoe etc. Newly added large floating dock, sand beach and large swing set/ hammock polls. Come play and have fun and listen to the sounds of frogs at night and the birds in the morning.

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Murray Creek Homestead

1 site · Lodging40 acres · San Andreas, CA

Learn more about this land:Very remote off grid barn with an outhouse, vegetable garden, fruit trees, and small vineyard that I make wine from. There's a creek that runs through the property with Indian grinding holes and arrow heads to be found. We also have volleyball, horseshoes, hiking trails, and much more!You will be in gold country where you can still find gold in the creek to this day! If you're lucky, you might find a nugget, but there's mostly pickers and fines. You'll always get color in your pan after a day of panning. The nights are absolutely stunning for viewing the stars with no light pollution. You will have almost complete privacy, with the exception of an occasional over head aircraft.

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The Foxes Family Farm

13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Wilton, CA

Welcome to The Foxes Family Farm! Our property is situated on 5 beautiful acres and we offer private campsites that provide the ultimate in seclusion and relaxation. We have multiple tent/RV sites that come complete with 30 amp power, water, and septic facilities, ensuring a comfortable stay for you and your motorhome. We also have a cabin available that sleeps 4 people and comes with A/C! No need to worry about laundry during your stay, as we have a washer and dryer available onsite. Additionally, we've crafted a delightful shower, toilet, and laundry room, equipped with all the amenities you'd need for a refreshing and comfortable experience. The hot water shower is available for a small fee of $3, and we've even provided shampoo and conditioner for your convenience. We also have potable water available through our pump or well. We understand that your furry friends are part of the family, so we happily welcome pets to our property. Let them explore and enjoy the great outdoors alongside you. As the sun sets and the night sky blankets the surroundings, you'll have the opportunity to gather around a crackling campfire. Enjoy the warmth, roast marshmallows, and create lasting memories. Please note that campfires are allowed unless there's a fire ban in effect, ensuring everyone's safety. Located just a 35-minute drive from Sacramento, our property offers the perfect blend of tranquility and accessibility. Explore the city's vibrant attractions, then return to our peaceful retreat to unwind and rejuvenate.

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Camp Electra

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Mokelumne Hill, CA

Meander through Historic Mokelumne Hill also known as Moke Hill to locals. Listen to music and have a drink on weekends at the Renegade Winery. Explore the Mokelumne river up Electra road. Plenty to see and experience all within walking distance. Mokelumne Hill is a quant town with lots of charm in the heart of the Gold Country. Bring a tent or your small RV!

The best camping near Caswell Memorial State Park guide

Overview

About

A rare riparian oak woodland reaches the size of 258 acres near Ripon, California. This may not seem like a big deal, but it is. This type of dense forest once dominated California's natural landscape. Native Americans who once lived here gathered acorns among these ancient trees. By the early 1800s, Spanish explorers and fur trappers found this area teeming with abundant life.

These oak woodlands are rare due to human activities. Some trees need regular flooding to survive. Dams, forest removal, and less rainfall contribute to less water in the Stanislaus River.

Logging in the area certainly didn't help. This unique habitat needs to stay put because of the endangered species it protects. If you're lucky, you might see a riparian brush rabbit on your hike or in your campsite. These rare rabbits are found nowhere else on Earth.

The campground offers the perfect home base for outdoor activities. Miles of nature trails, swimming, and fishing all challenge you to be bored here.

Notable campgrounds

Family Campsites: Nestled amid the park's natural beauty, these sites offer a cozy escape for families looking to connect with nature.
Group Campsites: Ideal for larger gatherings, these spacious sites allow for memorable outdoor bonding experiences.
Hike or Bike Campsites: For the more adventurous, these campsites provide a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the park's serene wilderness.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early to secure your spot, as reservations can be made up to six months in advance.
Consider visiting during the off-peak season for better availability and a quieter experience.
Keep an eye on cancellation policies and check back regularly for newly available sites.
Explore nearby camping options to maximize your chances of finding the perfect campsite.

When to go

The best time to visit Caswell Memorial State Park is during spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer offers warm days perfect for swimming, though it can get quite hot. Winter is cooler, ideal for cozy campfires and crisp nature walks. Be mindful of mosquitoes in warmer months and always check park alerts before your trip.

Know before you go

Check the park's operating hours, open year-round from 8am to sunset, with varying entrance station hours.
Be aware of the Summer Branch Drop phenomenon and stay vigilant for your safety.
Accessibility is a priority, with wheelchair-accessible features available for all visitors.
Remember that dogs are welcome but must remain on a leash and are not allowed on trails or in the river.
Prepare for your visit by packing essentials like water, sunscreen, and insect repellent.