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  Activities

Biking - 5/20/2013
Chatfield has 26 miles of bicycle trails, 12 of those trails are paved. Ask for a map upon entering the park. Conditions may vary depending upon the trail. Please practice courtesy towards other users. Give plenty of warning to pedestrians and others. Yield right-of-way to slower and equestrian traffic.
Boating - 5/20/2013
Boating is among the park’s most popular activities. You can enjoy water skiing, sailing, fishing or just cruising on the reservoir. All boat ramps are currently open for the season. Please be careful of floating debris.
Camping - 5/20/2013
Chatfield’s campground boasts 197 campsites, all with electrical hookups, and many with full hookups (water, sewer and electric). A limited number of campsites are open through the winter on a first-come, first serve basis. Chatfield also has ten group camp areas that may be reserved by calling the Park Office at (303)791-7275. Visit the "Camping" link on Chatfield's homepage for additional information. Please check our home page for more information regarding fire bans.
Education Programs - 5/20/2013
Contact our interpretive office any time of year to schedule programs for schools and other groups with one of our rangers. chatfieldGOCO@gmail.com or call the park office at 303-791-7275 ext. 4595
Fishing - 5/20/2013
In addition to a healthy population of trout and bass, you’ll find walleye, channel catfish, yellow perch, crappie, bluegill, sunfish and carp. The Colorado Division of Wildlife periodically stocks the lake with rainbow trout and other fish. 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 and late in the day or at night. Fall’s cooler temperatures mean the trout return from deep water into the shallows. Fishing continues through the winter months when the lake freezes. Fishing licenses are required, and may be purchased from local vendors. In the winter months, ice fishing is very popular. Access available at the Handicap Pier and an accessible trail to a Platte River fishing platform. Check the conditions page for current information.
Group Camping - 5/20/2013
Chatfield also has ten group Camp areas that may be reserved by calling the Park Office at (303)791-7275. Visit the "Camping" link on Chatfield's homepage for additional information. Please check our home page for more information regarding fire bans.
Hiking - 5/20/2013
There are about 26 miles of trails in Chatfield State Park, 12 miles of those trails are paved. Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Binoculars and insect repellent recommended for an enjoyable hike. Visit the Trails link on Chatfield's homepage for additional information.
Horseback Riding - 5/20/2013
Horseback riding is popular on the series of trails, approximately 24 miles, that wind through Chatfield State Park. Chatfield Stables - www.chatfieldstables.com - offers horseback-riding at Chatfield. Contact 303-933-3636 or chatfieldstables@yahoo.com for rates, hours and other information. Horses are restricted to the outside perimeter of the main park road. Horses are not allowed in the picnic, camping areas, or the swimbeach.
Hot-Air Ballooning - 5/20/2013
Hot air ballooning is popular at Chatfield. If you are a licensed balloon pilot and are interested in launching from Chatfield, please contact the office, in person or by calling (303) 791-7275. Recreational balloonist's permits can be found on the publications page of our website. If you are a commercial balloon pilot you will need to email Keith Kahler at Keith.Kahler@state.co.us to receive a commercial activity permit, and information on requirements and fees.
Ice Fishing - 5/29/2012
Ice fishing is among the many activities available to the winter recreation enthusiast as conditions permit. Before going out onto a frozen lake, pond or river, it's important to take safety precautions to reduce the risk of falling through the ice. Knowing how to judge ice conditions will also help you make more informed decisions while enjoying winter activities.
Jet Skiing - 5/20/2013
Jet skiing is permitted in the reservoir. Please observe all boating regulations. Including the age of the operator. All persons on personal water crafts are required to wear a properly fitting personal flotation jacket. Currently Jet skis are not available for rental at the Chatfield Marina.
Model Airplane Flying - 5/20/2013
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. The Park and Jefco Aeromodlers entered into an Operational Agreement in March of 2012 to ensure the upkeep and safety of the field. For more information about the agreement and the model airplane flying field at Chatfield please visit www.jefcoaeromodlers.org. No model rockets allowed.
Pets - 5/20/2013
Pets are welcome at Chatfield. Pets need to be on a leash at all times. Leashes need to be less than 6 feet in length, you must pick up after your pet, and it is discouraged to leave your pet unattended. We also have a dog off leash area that is available for a seperate fee. Please see the link to the Dog Off Leash Area on our Home Page.
Picnicking - 5/20/2013
Numerous picnic sites with tables and grills are located throughout the park. Both group and individual sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Group sites at Marina Point, Riverside, Heronry Overlook and Fox Run, are only available through reservation and may be reserved by calling the park office at (303) 791-7275. Please see "Picnicking" page under Chatfield's "Park Activities" page for additional information. These sites can be reserved from mid-April through mid-October. Please check our home page for more information regarding fire bans.
Sailboarding - 5/20/2013
Sailboarding and Paddleboarding are permitted at Chatfield, on the reservoir as well as the gravel ponds. Please see "Boating" link on Chatfield's Park Activities page for additional information.
Snowshoeing - 5/20/2013
Permitted on all trails with appropriate snow conditions.
Swimming - 5/20/2013
The Swimbeach is open seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Operating hours are sunrise to sunset; these hours are strictly enforced for your safety. There is no lifeguard on duty. Swim at your own risk. All children under the age of 12 need to be supervised by an adult.
Volleyball - 5/20/2013
Volleyball courts and horseshoe pits are located at the swimbeach, our group picnic areas, and in the campground. You will need to supply your own; net, ball, and horseshoes.
Water Skiing - 5/20/2013
Water-skiing is permitted on Chatfield reservoir. Please observe all boating regulations. Skiing and towing inflatables need to observe the counter-clockwise direction of travel around the center line buoys.
Winter Camping - 5/20/2013
Please see Camping page.