Caswell Memorial State Park

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.