Park Activities
Biking
Chatfield has 26 miles of bicycle trails, and 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. Please share the trail with other users and obey all traffic laws. (Updated: 3/18/2021 2:56 PM)
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.
For information about the reservoir, boat ramps, facilities, Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) requirements, and seasonal closures see the Chatfield Boating page. (Updated: 12/22/2021 12:34 PM)
Camping
Chatfield’s campground boasts 197 campsites, all with electrical hookups, and many with full hookups (water, sewer and electric).
Chatfield also has ten, group camp areas.
Reservations can be made online or made over the phone through Aspira by calling at (800) 244-5613.
Visit the Chatfield camping page for additional information. (Updated: 8/17/2020 10:23 AM)
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.
- Waste is promptly picked up and properly disposed.
- Sorry, no dogs are allowed at the swimbeach. (Updated: 5/25/2021 9:35 AM)
Education Programs
You may contact our Interpretive Ranger office any time of year to schedule off-season programs for schools and other groups with one of our rangers. Please email chatfieldGOCO@gmail.com or call the park office at (303) 791-7275 ext. 4595. We also offer regularly scheduled hikes and campfire programs from Memorial Day to Labor Day at the Swim Beach and Campground Amphitheater.
The Denver Audubon, located at Chatfield State Park, also has educational programs and activities going on year-round. Please see their website for details or to schedule an event. (Updated: 3/18/2021 2:38 PM)
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 in the day or late at night.
Fishing licenses are required, and may be purchased from the park or campground office. Fishing is prohibited in the ponds in the dog-off leash area and the spillway.
Submit fishing Conditions (Updated: 12/21/2022 8:56 AM)
Group Camping
Chatfield has 10 group camp areas that may be reserved by calling 1-800-244-5613. For additional information, please visit the Camping page. (Updated: 5/20/2023 1:22 PM)
Hiking
There are approximately 26 miles of trails in Chatfield State Park, and 12 miles of those trails are paved. Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Binoculars and insect repellent are recommended for an enjoyable hike. For additional information, please visit the Trails page. (Updated: 8/17/2020 10:24 AM)
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is popular on the series of trails, approximately 24 miles, that wind through Chatfield State Park. Big Horn Stables offers horse rentals, trail rides, riding lessons, day camp with horses, hayrides and boarding at Chatfield. Visit www.bighornstables.com or contact (720) 520-2661 for rates, hours and other information. Horses are restricted to the outside perimeter of the main park road. Horses are not allowed in the picnic areas, camping areas, or the swimbeach. Please be aware the trails are used by pedestrians and bicyclist. (Updated: 1/9/2024 11:04 AM)
Hot-Air Ballooning
Hot air ballooning is popular at Chatfield. If you would like to ride in a hot air balloon, search the internet for hot air balloon rides at Chatfield and select one of the vendors that offers rides for purchase. If you are a licensed balloon pilot and are interested in launching from Chatfield, please contact the office in-person or by calling (303) 791-7275. Recreational balloonist’s permits can be found on the Special Activity page. If you are a commercial balloon pilot, you will need to send an email to chatfield.park@state.co.us to receive information on acquiring a commercial activity permit and information on requirements and fees. (Updated: 11/14/2023 12:44 PM)
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.
Please check the Park Conditions page for updates on ice conditions.
Submit fishing Conditions (Updated: 12/21/2022 8:56 AM)
Jet Skiing
Jet skiing is permitted in the reservoir. Please observe all boating regulations, especially the age of the operator. All persons on personal watercraft 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. (Updated: 8/17/2020 10:25 AM)
Model Airplane Flying
For model airplane pilots, Chatfield’s model airplane field provides paved runways, frequency posts, and field regulations for radio-controlled aircraft in an area south of the campgrounds. The Park and Jeffco Aeromodelers entered into an Operational Agreement in March of 2012 to ensure the upkeep and safety of the field. For more information about the agreement and the model airplane flying field at Chatfield, please visit Jefco Aeromod’lers. No model rockets allowed. (Updated: 8/17/2020 10:25 AM)
OHV Riding
OHV riding is prohibited at Chatfield State Park. However, OHV registration renewals and out of state permits can be purchased at the main park office. (Updated: 5/25/2021 9:45 AM)
Paddle Boarding
Paddleboarding is permitted at Chatfield on the reservoir as well as the gravel ponds. Please see the Boating page for additional information. (Updated: 3/18/2021 2:39 PM)
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 are only available through reservation and may be reserved by calling 1-800-244-5613. See the Picnicking page for more information. Please check our home page for more information regarding fire bans. Make sure you are wanting to use this area prior to making reservations. (Updated: 7/15/2021 4:07 PM)
Snowmobiling
Snowmobiles are prohibited at Chatfield State Park. However, snowmobile registration renewals and out of state permits can be purchased at the main park office. (Updated: 11/2/2023 4:41 PM)
Snowshoeing
Permitted on all trails with appropriate snow conditions. (Updated: 8/17/2020 10:27 AM)
Swimming
The Swim beach is open, seasonally, from Memorial Day weekend in May through Labor Day weekend in September. Hours of operation are sunrise to sunset everyday. Children under the age of 13 need adult supervision at all times. No lifeguard on duty. Swim at your own risk. Swimming is not allowed at the marina, boat docks, any areas marked with Keep Out signs or buoys, and further than 75’ from shore in the boating power zone. No one may swim from sunset until sunrise. (Updated: 4/18/2022 9:08 AM)
Volleyball
Volleyball courts and horseshoe pits are located at our Group Picnic Areas (reservations required). Some horseshoe pits can be found in the campground, and a public volleyball area is located at the Massey Draw Day-Use Area. You will need to supply your own net, ball, and horseshoes. (Updated: 8/17/2020 10:27 AM)
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. (Updated: 5/25/2021 9:49 AM)
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, songbirds, waterfowl, and birds of prey. Others that call the park home, but are quite rare to see are black bears 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. (Updated: 8/17/2020 10:28 AM)
Winter Camping
Please see the Camping page. (Updated: 8/17/2020 10:28 AM)