Chatfield State Park in Littleton, Colorado is surrounded by Chatfield Reservoir, a 1,423-acre lake in Jefferson County and Douglas County. It is one of 42 state parks in Colorado, and home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, coyotes, foxes, and bears.

Just southwest of Denver, the ‘Mile High City,’ Chatfield State Park offers several activities for the outdoor enthusiast – a must-see area for family-friendly things to do in Denver. As a Denver local, I will share everything you need to know about Chatfield State Park.

Where is Chatfield State Park?

Chatfield State Park is located at 9700 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Littleton, 80128. The main entrance is off of Wadsworth, just 2 miles south of C470. The State Park is located just 19 miles southwest of Denver.

What is the Entry Cost for Chatfield State Park?

A daily vehicle pass is $10 and an individual pass is $4. You can also purchase a Vehicle Annual Pass for $80.  Additionally, Colorado residents can add a Keep Colorado Wild (KCW) pass onto their Colorado license plates for $29.  

9 Things to Do at Chatfield State Park

What I love about Chatfield State Park is the variety of things to do. Whether you want to enjoy time at the lake, go camping, or hiking, there are things to do for everyone.

1. Camping

Chatfield State Park is open for camping year-round at 197 sites. The state park requires advance campsite reservations with full electric hookup available from mid-April to mid-October. Campsites are available throughout the state park, walking distance to hiking trails and Chatfield Reservoir for boating, water sports, and fishing.

2. Boating

Locals and visitors love Chatfield State Reservoir for its boating. You can enter the lake from one of two boat ramps: the North boat ramp, which includes eight lanes, or the South ramp, which has two lanes. The main area is the Power Zone, great for boating and water skiing. There are also two No Wake Zones, at the southwest and southeast ends of the reservoir – perfect for fishing and canoeing.

3. Watersports

Watersports are my #1 favorite thing to do at Chatfield State Park. Whether you enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking, water skiing, or tubing, there are plenty of areas to spend adventurous time on the water. You can rent equipment from 5280 Paddle Sports if you’re visiting or trying paddle boarding or kayaking for the first time.

Check out my post: Paddle Boarding for the First Time

4. Swim Beach

The swim beach is another fun, family-friendly area of Chatfield State Park. Located on the west side of the park, the swim beach is a safe area for families to swim – away from boats and watersports-related activities. Grab a refreshment or bite to eat at the snack bar, lather up with some sunscreen, and enjoy some fun out in the sun.

5. Picnics

There are several areas around the lake to enjoy a picnic or barbecue with friends and family. Whether you bring sandwiches and drinks or host a birthday party (like we’ve done for my daughter) there are plenty of picnic tables to set up. If you host a party, I recommend bringing an easy-up for shade.

6. Hiking

There are several family-friendly hiking trails at Chatfield State Park. Keep in mind that they are beginner-level trails with not a lot of elevation. This is perfect for families with young children, or if you want to take a break from the campsite. For a list of hiking trails, visit Best Trails in Chatfield State Park.

7. Off-Leash Dog Area

We literally can’t even say Chatfield in my house without our dogs going berserk. When we talk about it, we have to call it “the C place.” With two ponds and 66 acres of land, dogs have free range to run around, explore, and swim. It’s our dogs’ favorite place to go. If you have four-legged friends, trust me – your dogs want to go to Chatfield!

8. Horseback Riding

If you enjoy horseback riding, Chatfield State Park is a great spot for it. Big Horn Stables has horse rentals, riding lessons, and day camps available. Enjoy the scenery of Chatfield Reservoir for a Riverside Foothills Ride or a Sunset Ride. Children can also enjoy a 20-minute pony ride for an introduction to horseback riding.  

9. Fishing

If you enjoy fishing, check out these Fishing Spots at Chatfield Reservoir in the “no wake” zones. The lake gets busy during the day, so I recommend fishing in the early morning or evening. For a Colorado Fishing License, visit Colorado Parks & Wildlife.

Chatfield State Park in Littleton, Colorado

Thank you for reading my post about Chatfield State Park. It’s one of my family’s favorite getaways in the Denver area with so many things to do. Enjoy your adventures!