Caswell Memorial State Park (Ripon)
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.

Don Pedro Lake (La Grange)
This very large lake in the lower foothills offers boating, fishing, hiking, swimming, mountain biking, and much more.

George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area (Merced)
This park is in the San Joaquin valley and is surrounded by the Merced River. The park has many trees and is home to various wildlife, especially birds. Swimming, fishing and picnicking are popular activities.

Great Valley Grasslands State Park (Stevenson)
Several rare and endangered plant and animal species inhabit the park, including alkali sacaton, a native bunch grass, and the Delta button celery (Erynium racemosum) a state listed endangered species found in the flood plain of the San Joaquin River.

Lake McClure & Lake McSwain (Merced)
There are five major recreation areas at Lakes McClure and McSwain: Lake McSwain, McClure Point, Barrett Cove, Horseshoe Bend and Bagby. They have an average elevation of 400 to 1,000 feet, and provide pine and oak woodland settings. All areas offer swimming and sandy beaches.

McConnell State Recreation Area (Merced)
The park is on the banks of the Merced River. Fishing is popular for catfish, black bass and perch. There are over 70 acres of picnic, camping and play areas.

Millerton Lake State Recreation Area (Fresno)
With over 40 miles of shore land for water sports, this SRA offers visitors swimming, fishing, and boating. The hills surrounding the lake provide good hiking opportunities. Wildlife in the park includes ground squirrels, cottontails, mule deer, badgers and bald and golden eagles. During winter, the park has special boat tours to view the bald eagles.

San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area (Los Banos)
Nestled in the grassy hills of the western San Joaquin Valley near historic Pacheco Pass, San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area is noted for boating, board sailing, camping, and picnicking. But it’s anglers who find the unit’s three lakes most inviting.

Turlock Lake State Recreation Area (Turlock)
Open all year and featuring camping, picnicking, fishing, swimming, boating, water skiing, and clean country air, the area offers visitors an opportunity to see the wonderful variety of native plant life that once flourished alongside the rivers of the San Joaquin Valley.