Conditions

Boating - 5/20/2013 Chatfield reservoir is now open to boating. All vessels will need to be inspected for aquatic nuisance species. Currenty both North and South ramps are open for launching. The ANS stations are open from 6:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. *Decontaminations can be done on a walk-in basis every Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the park office. Otherwise, please schedule an appointment and avoid long lines by calling (303) 791-7275 x4575. Camping - 5/20/2013 Modern camping on 197 sites, all with electrical hook-ups and 120 with full hookups. Reservations can be made for the summer season from April 15 through October 15. The campground is open through the winter on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information, visit the "Camping" link on Chatfield's home page. Please check the camping page for fees. Camping reservations can be made for the summer season by calling 303-470-1144 or if outside the Denver area, please call 1-800-678-2267. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance but must be made at least three days before arrival. A daily park pass is required on all vehicles if you do not have an Annual Colorado Park pass. For more information, visit the "Camping" link on the left side of Chatfield's main page. CHECK OUR HOME PAGE FOR CURRENT FIRE BAN INFORMATION!!! FYI!!!!! To camp at Chatfield on the weekends during our summer season, you will need a reservation. We are full every weekend at least 2 - 3 weeks in advance. We do not hold out walk-in sites all sites are reservable. Construction - 5/20/2013 Visitors will frequently encounter ongoing construction or maintenance operations at Chatfield State Park. Please use caution near these operations and various types of equipment and follow directional signs to ensure the safety of all visitors and park personnel. Visitors will frequently encounter ongoing construction or maintenance operations at Chatfield State Park. Please use caution near these operations and various types of equipment and follow directional signs to ensure the safety of all visitors and park personnel. At present there are two major projects at the North end of the park which will impact the Dog Off Leash area and bicycle traffic on the main park road. As soon as April 17 we will begin a road construction project to straighten, widen with bike lanes, and repave the section of roadway from the top of the dam to the Cottonwood Grove parking area. As with our previous road construction projects, one lane of the roadway will remain open to move motorized traffic. However, during this construction, due to safety concerns, all bicycle traffic will be detoured to the trail system at all hours, day or night, regardless of active construction operations. The bicycle detours will be located at the trail entrance across from the North boat ramp access road and at the pedestrian/bicycle bridge over the South Platte River near Marcy Gulch. This detour will be in place for the duration of the project which is expected to be completed by June 30th. Concurrently, a trail improvement project will begin to reroute the current concrete trail which enters the Cottonwood Grove picnic area parking lot to an intersection with the main park road to the east of the Stevens Grove parking area. The new trail section will be integrated with existing trail from the "Y" intersection near the pedestrian/bicycle bridge and pass to the north of the picnic area. This reroute should resolve safety issues and bicycle/vehicle conflicts associated with the congested pa Fire Restrictions - 5/20/2013 Open fires are allowed in designated campfire rings and grills provided. The use of charcoal grills and liquid fueled grills is also allowed. You may also have a fire in a small self-contained metal grill (like a hibachi grill) on the shoreline. Building a fire in an undesignated area is strictly prohibited and no building of fires on the ground anywhere in the park. Jefferson and Douglas County fire restrictions and bans will be followed when in effect. Fireworks of any kind are strictly prohibited. Also, no model rockets. Fishing Report - 5/20/2013 Many fishermen continue to report catching Rainbow Trout of all sizes from the shoreline all around the reservoir. Roxborough cove has been active on the west side of the park. Massey Draw and the shorelines north and south of the swimbeach have been active on the east side of the park. All kinds of bait are being used including live bait, powerbait, and various artificial lures. Fishing from a boat, visitors are reporting catching Smallmouth in the rocky areas near the dam and in warmer, shallow water. Walleye reports are spotty, but some fishermen are catching walleye at night. The gravel ponds are a popular place to fish for Bluegill and Perch. Many people fish these areas using live bait and a bobber. Icing Conditions - 4/2/2013 The lake is free from ice and is open for boating. Please use caution, watching for floating debris. Park Entrance - 5/20/2013 Dog Off Leash Area annual passes are now available, for $20.00!!!Daily park vehicle passes cost $8.00. Deer Creek entrance is manned Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday. The Plum Creek entrance station is manned 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Friday through Sunday. You may purchase your pass at either entrance when they are not manned, at the self-serve station adjacent to the gates using cash or check or the park office during office hours posted on our facilities page. Gate attendants cannot sell or do renewals for the Senior Aspen Lifetime Pass. Road Conditions - 5/20/2013 Please pardon our dust this year! We have a number of construction projects this year that may impact your visit. Please follow all roadway and trail detours and informational signs to ensure the safety of all visitors, construction workers and park personnel. See Construction Conditions above. Swimming Conditions - 3/11/2013 The swimbeach is closed for the season. The swim beach will re-open for the 2013 season on Memorial Day weekend. Swimbeach information: There are no lifeguards on duty! Swim at your own risk. Please be responsible for the people in your group. Children under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult! Glass, pets, boats, and fishing are prohibited in the designated Swim Beach area. Water Levels - 5/20/2013 Water level is 5429.36 ft. Discharge below reservoir: 0.99 ft 21.6 cfs South Platte River below Strontia Springs: discharge- 3.06 ft 62.2 cfs Water Temperature - 5/20/2013 Approximately 64 degrees. Weather - 3/11/2013 See www.victoriasailingschool.com for current conditions. Including current temperature and wind conditions.