Chatfield State Park
State Park in Littleton, CO
Hours:
Park: Daily 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Office: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Campground Office: Daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Entrance Fees:
Daily Vehicle Pass: $12-$17
Individual Daily Pass: $4
Animals Permitted:
- Leashed Dogs
- Service Animals
- Horses
Park Address:
11500 N. Roxborough Park Rd.
Littleton, CO 80125
United States
Chatfield State Park
State Park in Littleton, CO
Hours:
Park: Daily 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Office: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Campground Office: Daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Entrance Fees:
Daily Vehicle Pass: $12-$17
Individual Daily Pass: $4
Animals Permitted:
- Leashed Dogs
- Service Animals
- Horses
Park Address:
11500 N. Roxborough Park Rd.
Littleton, CO 80125
United States
Navigate to:
A serene view of the reservoir at sunset
Park Highlight
Explore Chatfield Reservoir
Boaters of all types — from water skiers to fishing enthusiasts to canoeists and sailors — enjoy Chatfield's 1,500 surface-acre Reservoir. Boat rentals, a floating restaurant and a marina are also available at Chatfield.
Reservoir Facilities
Facilities
Boats may be launched at either of the parks two boat ramps.
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The North boat ramps, located on the northwest side of the reservoir, have eight launch lanes and four courtesy docks.
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South boat ramp, located on the southeast side of the reservoir, has two launch lanes and one courtesy dock.
The courtesy docks are available seasonally and will be removed when ice starts to form on the lake.
See Mandatory Boat Inspections for aquatic nuisance species hours, location and more information lower on the page.
Chatfield has a full service marina offering slip rentals, boat rentals, boat storage and Seagull’s restaurant. For information, please call the Marina at 303-791-5555, email [email protected] or visit the Chatfield Marina website. Services available seasonally.
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. No lifeguard on duty. Swim at your own risk.
Colorado Water is Cold Water
Colorado waters are classified as "cold water" (anything under 70 degrees) for most of the year. Swimming in cold water risks cold water shock, which can lead to drowning even for strong, experienced swimmers. An unexpected fall into cold water can cause an involuntary gasp reflex (which can cause you to breathe in water). Cold water shock can also cause rapid heart rate and hyperventilation (excessive breathing). If you experience cold water shock, quickly regain control of your breathing and get into the HELP position (Heat Escape Lessening Posture) by crossing your arms across your chest and pulling your knees up to your chest, as if hugging yourself, to retain body heat.
Deadly Combos
Alcohol and Water
Alcohol use is the leading factor in recreational boating deaths. The intense sunlight and heat you experience when boating can amplify the effects of beer, wine and hard liquor. Your balance, vision, alertness, reaction time and coordination can change more intensely than you’re used to. One drink on the water is equivalent to three drinks on land.
Alcohol can also increase the dangers of cold water immersion.
Wind and Water
Weather can change very quickly in Colorado. Most summer storms arise in the afternoon, and they can come in fast and furiously, generally from the west.
Be mindful of the clouds and wind. Don't wait until the weather is on top of you before seeking safety. Wind is the main cause of paddlers falling in the water. Once in the water, the wind can blow your craft away from you, and if the waves become intense, it becomes difficult to swim.
Remember that after you get out of the water, wind chill can cause you to lose heat very quickly.
Life Jackets and Water
The majority of water-related fatalities happen when people are swimming in cold water or paddleboarding or kayaking while not wearing a life jacket. Colorado law requires that all water vessels have appropriately sized life jackets readily accessible for every person on board.
Weight and Water
Don't go over the maximum capacity or weight on boats, kayaks or stand up paddleboards. They can capsize or sink. Remember that coolers can change the total weight and weight distribution on your vessel.
Swimming and Drop Offs
The bottoms of lakes are inconsistent. “Drop offs” are spots in lakes, reservoirs, streams and rivers with sudden changes in depth. These abrupt changes can be risky and catch swimmers off guard.
Swimming and Water Depth
Most reservoirs average 40-100 feet deep, making them unsuitable for those with limited swimming abilities.
Swimming and Unmarked Hazards
Lower water levels this summer can expose unmarked hazards that swimmers would usually not expect. Hazards could include trees, rocks, etc.
Boating and Fishing
Boating
Boating is among the park’s most popular activities. You can enjoy water skiing, sailing, fishing or just cruising on the reservoir.
To boat on the reservoir, a pre-launch boat inspection for Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS), an ANS stamp, and a current boat registration are required.
Reservoir Zones
The reservoir can be quite busy during the summer season and is divided into use zones. The main body of the reservoir is the power zone. This area is for general boating and water skiing and has a counter clockwise direction of travel. There are two large no-wake zones at the southwest and southeast ends of the reservoir.
Boating Capacity
During times of peak use, the reservoir may reach boating capacity. When boating capacity is reached, rangers at the boat dock will not allow boats to launch until a vessel has left the reservoir.
Hazards
With the fluctuation of stream flows, boaters should always watch carefully for floating debris in the reservoir. During the off-season, many of the aids to navigation are not in place. Please recognize that not all hazards may be marked, so always use caution when boating.
Fishing
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. Colorado Parks and Wildlife periodically stocks the lake with rainbow trout and other fish.
Ice Fishing
Ice-fishing is available during the winter months. Please use caution when ice fishing. Have proper safety equipment and follow safety guidelines. During the winter, there are several "ice rescue stations" around Chatfield. They are marked by red poles with a tire and rope.
Fish Species and Bag Limits
See the Fishing Atlas for fishable species at this location and the Fishing Brochure (PDF) for daily bag limits.
Fishing Awards and Records for Chatfield
Visit the Fishing Awards and Records page.
Clean Your Gear: Fishing
Help Protect Colorado Waters
Clean Your Gear
Cleaning your gear before and after use helps protect our water from aquatic nuisance species. Check out these videos to learn how to clean your fishing gear.
Water Activities
Jet Skiing
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.
Paddle Boarding
Paddle boarding is permitted at Chatfield on the reservoir as well as the gravel ponds. Life jackets required.
Water Skiing
There must be another person on board designated as the look-out person to watch the water skier and raise a flag distinguishing if they are in the water. Skiing and towing inflatables need to observe the counter-clockwise direction of travel around the centerline buoys.
Mandatory Boat Inspections for ANS at Chatfield
To boat on the reservoir, an aquatic nuisance species (ANS) stamp, current boat registration and a pre-launch boat inspection at the boat ramp is required.
Vessels and other floating devices that are both hand-launched and human-powered are exempt from mandatory ANS inspections.
Learn more about aquatic nuisance species, as well as clean, drain, dry and decontaminations.
Inspection Hours
April 1 - April 30: Both Ramps, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
May-September: Both Ramps, Fri-Sun 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Mon-Thurs 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
October: Both Ramps, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
November: North Ramp only, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
December 1 until Ice off through March 1: Reservoir closed to all boats and paddle craft
New Zealand Mudsnails
New Zealand Mudsnails have been detected in the reservoir. Mudsnails are an invasive freshwater snail that negatively affect aquatic insect larvae, native snails and fish populations.
Stop the SpreadOh, SHELL NO
Be a Pain in the ANS
Recreation in Colorado’s water could be impacted by the spread of invasive species in the water. Aquatic nuisance species (ANS) are invasive species that damage bodies of water. This can have huge impacts on many of the industries and products we all know and love: wine, corn, beer, peaches, drinking water, outdoor recreation and many more. If you’re recreating in the water, you can be a Pain in the ANS — and stop the spread of invasive species.
Bring the Brochures with You
Fishing Brochure
Read up on the location you want to fish before you head out.
Download the Brochure Land and Water Regulations Brochure
Have a question about regulations? Check the brochure.
Download the Brochure