Chatfield State Park
Overview
Chatfield State Park is a popular 5,600-acre outdoor destination centered around the 1,500-acre Chatfield Reservoir along the South Platte River. The park features over 26 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and winter cross-country skiing. Key highlights include a 197-site campsite with full and electric RV hookups, a 69-acre Dog Off-Leash Area, a seasonal swim beach, a full-service marina with boat rentals, stable rentals, an accessible fishing pier, a model airplane airfield, and a hot air balloon launch site.
- Trails
- 22
- Viewpoints
- 33
- Activities
- 0
- POIs
- 62
Opening Hours
05:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Emergency SOS
Amenities Available
- Paved Parking Lots
Designated vehicle parking areas with clearly marked spaces and ADA-accessible spots mandated by federal law. Most parks offer free or low-cost daily parking passes.
- Restrooms / Flush Toilets
Modern restroom facilities with running water and proper sanitation. Subject to seasonal closures in northern states during winter months.
- Drinking Water Fountains
Potable water stations distributed throughout the park, tested regularly for safety to ensure clean water access for all visitors.
- Picnic Areas & Shelters
Covered pavilions equipped with tables and built-in grills. Shelters are often reservable for group events and birthday parties.
- Visitor / Ranger Station
Information hub staffed by rangers or volunteers offering maps, wildlife briefings, and educational programs for school groups and families.
- Hiking & Nature Trails
Marked paths ranging from easy, paved walks to rugged backcountry routes, blazed with color-coded markers and difficulty ratings.
- Campgrounds
Tent and RV sites featuring fire rings and picnic tables. Some include full electric hookups, reservable through Recreation.gov.
- Playgrounds
Modern play structures for children with rubberized safety surfaces and age-appropriate equipment meeting ASTM safety standards.
- Swimming Areas / Beaches
Designated swim zones with seasonal lifeguard coverage. Daily water quality reports are posted at the entrance and online.
- Dog Parks / Off-Leash Areas
Fenced areas designated for off-leash dog exercise, complete with waste bag stations, water bowls, and separate sections for small and large breeds.
- Fishing Piers & Access
Accessible fishing spots and ADA-compliant piers along rivers and lakes. A valid state fishing license is required to fish.
- Boat Launches / Marina
Paved boat ramps and courtesy docks for non-motorized and motorized watercraft. Fees apply at many parks; annual launch permits available.
- Amphitheatre
Required Permits
Colorado State Park Pass (Vehicle Pass / Keep Colorado Wild Pass)Required
A valid Colorado State Park pass is required year-round for all vehicles entering Chatfield State Park. Daily passes cost $12 per vehicle, annual vehicle passes are $80, and Colorado residents can opt into the Keep Colorado Wild Pass for $29 during vehicle registration renewal. Additional activity-specific permits include the Dog Off-Leash Area (DOLA) pass ($3 daily / $25 annual) and a Montgolfier Balloon Port permit for hot air balloons.
Alerts & Advisories
Stay informed before heading out
Safety Tips
Safety Advisory
- Wear Coast Guard–approved life jackets during water activities, and ensure children under 13 are accompanied by an adult.
- Swimming is prohibited from sunset to sunrise and is restricted to designated areas—never swim near the marina, boat docks, marked keep-out zones, or beyond 75 feet from shore in power zones.
Popular/Nearby Trails
Waterton Link Trail
Chatfield Trailmark Trail
Chatfield Equestrian Trail
Platte River Trail
Chatfield Internal Trail
High Line Canal Trail
Columbine Trail
Plum Creek Trail
Cigar Pond Trail (2)
Chatfield Internal Trail (2)
Platte River Trail (2)
Chatfield Dam Trail
Wetlands Interpretive Trail
Plum Creek Nature Loop
Turtle Pond Trail
Dog Off Leash Area Trails
Cottonwood Trail
Blackbird Trail
Cigar Pond Trail
Muskrat Trail
C-470 Trail
Wetlands Connector Trail
Nearby Viewpoints
Picnic Area
0.2 mi
Group Picnic Area
Campground
0.3 mi
Picnic Area
0.3 mi
Group Camp Area
Campground
0.3 mi
Group Camp Area
Campground
0.4 mi
Picnic Area
0.4 mi
Swimming Beach
Swimming
0.5 mi
Historic Slocum Cabin
Monument / Memorial
0.5 mi
Picnic Area
0.6 mi
Group Picnic Area
Campground
0.6 mi
Picnic Area
0.7 mi
Wildlife Watching Area
0.7 mi
Playground
0.8 mi
Playground
1.0 mi
Campground
Campsite
1.0 mi
Amphitheater
1.1 mi
Group Picnic Area
Campground
1.1 mi
Group Picnic Area
Campground
1.1 mi
Model Airplane Field
1.2 mi
Picnic Area
1.2 mi
Picnic Area
1.3 mi
Concessions
1.3 mi
Marina
1.3 mi
Picnic Area
1.6 mi
Picnic Area
1.6 mi
Horseback Riding Trail
Horseback Riding
1.6 mi
Picnic Area
1.7 mi
Horseback Riding Trail
1.7 mi
Picnic Area
1.8 mi
Scenic Overlook
1.9 mi
Dam
1.9 mi
Horseback Riding Trail
Horseback Riding
2.1 mi
Picnic Area
2.8 mi
Nearby Points of Interest
Reviews & Ratings
Community Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours of Chatfield State Park?
Chatfield State Park is open every day from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
What is Chatfield State Park?
Chatfield State Park is a popular 5,600-acre outdoor destination centered around the 1,500-acre Chatfield Reservoir along the South Platte River. The park features over 26 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and winter cross-country skiing.
Where is Chatfield State Park located?
Chatfield State Park is located in Littleton, Colorado, United States.
How many trails are there at Chatfield State Park?
Chatfield State Park has 22 mapped trails covering 42.5 miles in total. The longest is High Line Canal Trail at 7.4 miles.
What is there to see at Chatfield State Park?
Places to see at Chatfield State Park include Historic Slocum Cabin, Horseback Riding Trail, Swimming Beach, Camper Service, Dog Off Leash Area and Horse Stable.
What facilities are available at Chatfield State Park?
Facilities at Chatfield State Park include Amphitheatre, Boat Launches / Marina, Campgrounds, Dog Parks / Off-Leash Areas, Drinking Water Fountains, Fishing Piers & Access, Hiking & Nature Trails, Paved Parking Lots and 5 more.
Is there parking at Chatfield State Park?
Yes, Chatfield State Park has parking (Paved Parking Lots).
Can I camp at Chatfield State Park?
Yes, Chatfield State Park has 7 campsites marked on its map, including Campground, Group Camp Area and Group Picnic Area.
How can I contact Chatfield State Park?
You can contact Chatfield State Park by email at chatfield.park@state.co.us or by phone at +13037917275.
What safety tips should visitors to Chatfield State Park know?
Wear Coast Guard–approved life jackets during water activities, and ensure children under 13 are accompanied by an adult. Swimming is prohibited from sunset to sunrise and is restricted to designated areas—never swim near the marina, boat docks, marked keep-out zones, or beyond 75 feet from shore in power zones. Keep pets on a leash throughout the park except in the designated 69-acre off-leash area.
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