Float your boat in the lake, bicycle or hike on a trail that provides scenic views of the neighboring foothills and Platte River valley, camp, ride a horse and even fly a model airplane - all at Chatfield State Park, nestled next to the foothills southwest of Denver.
Biking
Chatfield has 26 miles of bicycle trails, 12 of those trails are paved. Ask for a map upon entering the park. Conditions may vary depending upon the trail. Please practice courtesy towards other users. Give plenty of warning to pedestrians and others. Bikes must follow all traffic laws and yield right-of-way to slower and equestrian traffic.
Boating
Boating is among the park's most popular seasonal activities. You can enjoy water skiing, sailing, different types of paddling activities, fishing or just cruising on the reservoir. Motorized & sail vessels are only allowed on primary reservoir and prohibited on any other pond or body of water within the park. Chatfield Marina offers a courtesy dock, temporary moorage, and a rental fleet of power and paddling equipment. Contact (303) 791-5555 or Chatfield Marina for rates, hours and other information. Please be careful of floating debris and follow all directional buoys and regulations.
Camping
Chatfield’s campground boasts 197 campsites, all with electrical hookups, and many with full hookups (water, sewer and electric). If you would like to stay during the summer reservations are needed, it is seldom that we have walk in sites. Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-244-5613.
Dog-friendly
Dogs are welcome in the park as long as:
they are on a six foot or shorter leash except in our designated off-leash area
their waste is promptly picked up and properly disposed of
sorry no dogs are allowed at the swimbeach
Fishing
In addition to a healthy population of trout and bass, you’ll find walleye, channel catfish, yellow perch, crappie, bluegill, sunfish and carp.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife periodically stocks the lake with rainbow trout and other fish. Springtime signals the start of open water fishing and the park’s trout fishing is some of the best in the Denver area.
Throughout the summer, walleye, bass, perch, crappie, catfish and an occasional trout are caught, with the best action early and late in the day or at night. Fishing licenses are required, and may be purchased from the park office.
Hiking
There are approximately 26 miles of trails in Chatfield State Park, 12 miles of those trails are paved. Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Binoculars and insect repellent recommended for an enjoyable hike.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is popular on the series of trails, approximately 24 miles, that wind through Chatfield State Park.
Ice Fishing
Ice fishing is among the many activities available to the winter recreation enthusiast as conditions permit. Before going out onto a frozen lake, pond or river, it's important to take safety precautions to reduce the risk of falling through the ice. Knowing how to judge ice conditions will also help you make more informed decisions while enjoying winter activities. During the winter, there are several "ice rescue stations" around Chatfield. They are marked by red poles with a tire and rope. Please be aware of these locations.
Jet Skiing
Jet skiing is permitted in the reservoir. Please observe all boating regulations, especially the age of the operator. All persons on personal water crafts are required to wear a properly fitting personal flotation jacket. Jet skis do need to be inspected at the boat ramps for Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS). Currently, jet skis are not available for rent.
Picnicking
Numerous picnic sites with tables and grills are located throughout the park. Both group and individual sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Group sites at Marina Point, Riverside, Heronry Overlook, and Fox Run
Sailboarding
Sailboarding and Paddleboarding are permitted at Chatfield, on the reservoir as well as the gravel ponds.
Snowshoeing
Permitted on all trails with appropriate snow conditions.
Swimming
The Swimbeach is open from Memorial Day weekend in May through Labor Day weekend in September. Hours of operation are sunrise to sunset, everyday during operation. Children under the age of 14 need adult supervision at all times. No lifeguard on duty, swim at your own risk.
Volleyball
Volleyball courts and horseshoe pits are located at some of our Group Picnic Areas and some pits can be found in the campground. You will need to supply your own net, ball, and horseshoes.
Water Skiing
Water-skiing is permitted on Chatfield reservoir. Please observe all boating regulations. There must be another person on board designated as the "look-out" person to watch the water skier and raise a flag distinguishing they are in the water.
Skiing and towing inflatables need to observe the counter-clockwise direction of travel around the center line buoys.
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife is abundant at Chatfield State Park. We have a Wildlife Viewing Area at the park as well as many natural areas where year-round you are bound to see; coyotes, mule deer, white-tailed deer, song birds, waterfowl, and birds of prey. Others that call the park home, but are quite rare to see are; black bear and mountain lions. While visiting the park, be sure to bring your camera and binoculars. Keep in mind, never try to approach or feed any wildlife, and keep a good, safe distance.
