Chatfield State Park – Littleton, CO

Situated next to the foothills in Littleton, Chatfield State Park is a water-sports haven for the Denver metro. Chatfield Reservoir is larger than nearby Cherry Creek Lake and is open to all types of boating.

Chatfield State Park is centered around the 1500-acre Chatfield Reservoir. It’s nestled in the foothills, southwest of the capital city. A variety of outdoor recreation is found within this year-round state park.

Most types of boating are welcome on Chatfield, from powerboats and sailboats to jet skis and water skis. Fishing is also big year-round, with ice fishing chances in the winter. For camping, there is a whopping 197 campsites and 10 group campsites, many with full hook-ups.

Biking is one of the main activities in and around the park. There’s also horseback riding, a model airplane runway, a swim beach, and a dog park. The 109-acre off-leash dog area costs an extra minimal day use or annual fee.

Activities at Chatfield Reservoir

Biking/Hiking: There are 26 miles of trails, 12 of which are paved.

Boating: 1500-acre reservoir; Open to powerboats, water skiing, sailing, jet skiing. There are 2 boat ramps.

Camping: Yes, open year-round, 197 sites. All sites have electrical hookups, and many also have full hook-ups. There are 10 group camp areas, which can be reserved by calling the park. Reservations

Read about the camping near Littleton and Red Rocks.

Fishing: Aside from bass and trout, bluegill, carp, channel catfish, crappie, sunfish, walleye and yellow perch are common. There is even ice fishermen found from time to time when the winter front range conditions will allow.

Chatfield Reservoir Winter Ice Fishing Littleton CO — Ice fishing on Chatfield Reservoir by the dam. Photo: Li Tsin Soon

Horseback Riding: About 24 miles of trails are open to horseback riding. Chatfield Stables offers horseback riding at the park. chatfieldstables.com

Hot Air Ballooning: Licensed balloon pilots can launch from Chatfield.

Model Airplane Flying: Chatfield has a model runway with paved runways and frequency posts located south of the campgrounds.

Off-Leash Dog Area: The park has an off-leash dog park of more than 100 acres for an extra $2/day or $20/year.

Picnicking: Numerous picnic sites exist, all with tables and grills. Sites available first-come, first-serve. Group sites may be reserved.

Swimming: Swim beach is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, from sunrise to sunset.

Volleyball: Courts and horseshoe pits are located at the campground, at the group picnic areas, and at the swim beach.

Winter Recreation: Camping, ice fishing, and snowshoeing are popular.

Two other parks in the area include Jefferson County Open Space and Roxborough State Park.

The Swim Beach is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.