Chatfield State Park

State Park in Littleton, CO

Hours:

Park: 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Office: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Campground Office: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

Entrance Fees:

Daily Vehicle Pass: $​10

Individual Daily Pass: $4

Animals Permitted:

  • Leashed Dogs
  • Service Animals
  • Horses

Park Address:

11500 N. Roxborough Park Rd.
Littleton, CO 80125
United States

Contact:

303-791-7275

[email protected]

Fun on land and water. That’s the draw at this park along the South Platte River where it flows out of the mountains onto the prairie at the mouth of Waterton Canyon.

Chatfield State Park

State Park in Littleton, CO

Fun on land and water. That’s the draw at this park along the South Platte River where it flows out of the mountains onto the prairie at the mouth of Waterton Canyon.

Hours:

Park: 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Office: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Campground Office: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

Entrance Fees:

Daily Vehicle Pass: $​10

Individual Daily Pass: $4

Animals Permitted:

  • Leashed Dogs
  • Service Animals
  • Horses

Park Address:

11500 N. Roxborough Park Rd.
Littleton, CO 80125
United States

Contact:

303-791-7275

[email protected]

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Douglas and Jefferson County: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions -

Stage 1 restrictions are currently in place with no open burning and no fireworks. Visit the Douglas and Jefferson Counties websites for more details.

Fishing kayaks lining the beach

Fishing kayaks lining the beach

Activities and Trails

What to Do at Chatfield

Just southwest of Denver, Chatfield State Park’s reservoir is a popular summer swim spot and also offers fishing, ice fishing, hot air ballooning and boating. The park has 26 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, plus a 69-acre off-leash area for dogs. Campgrounds, boat and horse rentals, a model airplane field and a floating restaurant are among the park’s amenities.

  • Boating
  • Education Programs
  • Fishing
  • Horseback Riding
  • Ice Fishing
  • Jet Skiing
  • Model Airplane Flying
  • Paddle Boarding
  • Photography
  • Picnicking
  • Snowshoeing
  • Swimming
  • Water Skiing
  • Wildlife Viewing
ebikes logo

A new way to explore Chatfield State Park

E-Bikes Available

Class 1 e-bikes are available to rent from the swim beach, marina, and campground office.  Just scan the QR code by the handlebars and follow the prompts. These are a result of a collaborative project with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to raise awareness and availability of alternate forms of transportation.  Remember to ride responsibility, wear a helmet and have fun!

Best of Chatfield

Lake

Lake

The park's main attraction is the 1,355-acre-surface-area lake that draws visitors to boat, fish, jet ski, paddle board and water ski.

Paddle boarding

Paddle Boarding

Paddle boarding is permitted at Chatfield on the reservoir as well as the gravel ponds. Don't forget to bring your life jacket!

Model airplane flying

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. No model rockets allowed.

Swim beach

Swim Beach

The swim beach is open seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Hours of operation are sunrise to sunset every day. Children under 12 must have adult supervision. There is no lifeguard on duty.

Upcoming Events

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Hot Air Ballooning

Hot air ballooning is popular at Chatfield. If you would like to ride in a hot air balloon, find a vendor at Chatfield 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 call 303-791-7275. 

Commercial Pilots
If you are a commercial balloon pilot, you will need to send an email to [email protected]​ for information on acquiring a commercial activity permit and information on requirements and fees.

Fun for Dogs

Dog Off-leash Area

The dog off-leash area provides 69 acres of completely fenced open space for dogs, including two ponds and miles of paved and unpaved walking trails.

    • There is a limit of three dogs per handler
    • A valid dog off-leash area daily or annual pass is required for the use of the area
    • You must have your dog under voice control when off leash
    • Bring a leash, which​ must be carried with you
    • Bring a waste bag for each dog
    • When arriving or leaving the off-leash area, dogs must be leashed from the access point to the vehicle

    Use of the Upland Sport Dog Training Area and the Flat Water Sport Dog Training Area require a special activity agreement permit. Please contact the Park Headquarters at 303-791​-7275​ or [email protected]​​ for further information.

    Hiking, Biking and Horseback Riding

    Trails

    Over 26 miles of hard-surface and natural trails wind through the park and provide visitors with an abundance of opportunities for wildlife viewing and bird watching. Trails are available for hiking, biking, dog walking and horseback riding.

    Chatfield Stables
    Chatfield Stables​ is the horseback riding concessionaire at Chatfield. Call 303-933-3636 or email [email protected] for rates, hours and other information. The stables provide trail rides, riding camps and birthday parties.

      Hiking boot icon

      Chatfield Dam Trail

      2.7 miles, paved
      Hiking, biking
      ADA accessible
      Dog friendly

      Access: Dam Overlook parking lot

      Horse icon

      Chatfield Equestrian Loop

      3.2 miles
      Horseback riding
      Dog friendly

      Access: Chatfield Stables parking lot

      Hiking boot icon

      Chatfield Internal Trails Network

      26 miles
      Hiking, biking, skating only
      Dog friendly

      Hiking boot icon

      Chatfield Dam Trail

      2.7 miles, paved
      Hiking, biking
      ADA accessible
      Dog friendly

      Access: Dam Overlook parking lot

      Horse icon

      Chatfield Equestrian Loop

      3.2 miles
      Horseback riding
      Dog friendly

      Access: Chatfield Stables parking lot

      Hiking boot icon

      Chatfield Internal Trails Network

      26 miles
      Hiking, biking, skating only
      Dog friendly

      Group Activities

      Special Activity Agreement

      ​​​​​​​​​​​​A Special Activity Agreement permit may be required if you want to do an unusual activity or hold an organized group activity other than a normal picnic or camping trip.​

        Past examples of events that required a Special Activity Agreement permit include running, swimming and biking events; weddings; open-water baptisms; school or other organized groups; fishing tournaments; group skill training; dog tracking, hot air balloon launches; professional photography; and more. Commercial photographers need a Special Activity Agreement permit. 

        If you have another kind of event in mind, or if you are unsure if your event is suitable for Chatfield, please contact the park at [email protected] with details about your event, and we will let you know if you need a Special Activity Agreement permit.

        We need to know about your event ahead of time so we can make space available and ensure your event won't harm the natural resources or overlap with other visitors' activities.

        Please submit your application at least 90 days before the date of your event or activity to see if you need to complete a Special Activity Agreement. A non-refundable $30 processing fee is required with each application.​​

        Special Activity Agreement Permit Application
        Instructions 
        Application

        Hot Air Balloon Special Use Permit Application
        Instructions
        Application 
        Recreational Balloon Guest Pilot Application

        Commercial Photography Special Activity Agreement Application
        Photo Application​ 
        Commercial Filming/Marketing Photography Application