Activities at Chatfield | Colorado State Parks

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Activities

Biking - 5/2/2012

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 - 5/2/2012

Boating is among the park’s most popular activities. You can enjoy water skiing, sailing, fishing or just cruising on the reservoir. Boats may be launched at either of the two boat ramps. Please see "Boating" link on Chatfield's Park Activities page for additional information.

Camping - 10/3/2011

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.

Education Programs - 5/2/2012

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

Fishing - 5/2/2012

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 - 10/3/2011

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.

Hiking - 10/3/2011

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 - 10/3/2011

Horseback riding is popular on the series of trails, approximately 24 miles, that wind through Chatfield State Park. Chatfield Stables - www.painthorsestables.net - offers horseback-riding at Chatfield. Call 303-933-3636 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 - 10/3/2011

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 permits can be found on the publications page of our website.

Ice Fishing - 10/3/2011

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 - 10/3/2011

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 - 10/3/2011

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. Contact the Jefco Aeromodelers at jefcoaeromodlers.org for information. Posted flying regulations must be observed.

Picnicking - 10/3/2011

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 off Chatfield's "Park Activities" page for additional information.

Sailboarding - 10/3/2011

Sailboarding and Paddleboarding is permitted at Chatfield. Please see "Boating" link on Chatfield's Park Activities page for additional information.

Snowshoeing - 10/3/2011

Permitted on all trails with appropriate snow conditions.

Swimming - 9/9/2011

The Swimbeach is currently closed for the season. The Swimbeach will re-open Memorial Day weekend 2012.

Volleyball - 10/3/2011

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 - 10/3/2011

Water-skiing is permitted on Chatfield reservoir. Please observe all boating regulations. Skiing and towing inflateables need to observe the counter-clockwise direction of travel around the center line buoys.

Winter Camping - 10/3/2011

Please see Camping page.

Last Modified Date: 2/25/2011 1:15 PM