Chatfield State Park FAQ
Short answers to the questions visitors ask most about Chatfield State Park, a Colorado Parks and Wildlife park around Chatfield Reservoir in Littleton. The park is open 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily; a daily vehicle pass costs $10–$12 with Colorado plates or $15–$17 with out-of-state plates. Each answer links to the page with the full details.
Before You Go
- Use one of the two entrance addresses, not the park's name, in your map app: Entrances & Directions.
- Pass prices and annual passes: Hours & Fees.
- Rules people most often miss: Rules & Regulations.
Chatfield State Park: Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get into Chatfield State Park?
A daily vehicle pass is $10–$12 with Colorado plates and $15–$17 with out-of-state plates; people on foot, bike or horseback pay $4 each. The $29 Keep Colorado Wild Pass and an $80 annual vehicle pass also work.
What time does Chatfield State Park open and close?
Chatfield State Park is open 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day of the year. The park office is open weekdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
What address should I put in my GPS for Chatfield?
9700 S Wadsworth Blvd, Littleton, CO 80128, or 11500 N Roxborough Park Rd, Littleton, CO 80125 (the Plum Creek entrance). Colorado Parks and Wildlife says typing the park's name gives wrong directions.
Is Chatfield State Park dog friendly?
Yes. Leashed dogs are welcome everywhere except the swim beach, and the fenced 69-acre Dog Off-Leash Area lets dogs run with a $3 daily or $25 annual pass.
Can you swim at Chatfield?
Yes, at the swim beach only, Memorial Day through Labor Day, sunrise to sunset. There is no lifeguard, and kids under 12 need adult supervision.
Can you camp at Chatfield State Park?
Yes. The campground has 197 sites, all with electric hookups and 146 with full hookups, at $36–$41 a night. Reservations are required at cpwshop.com or 1-800-244-5613.
Can you rent a boat at Chatfield?
Yes, from the Chatfield Marina, a private concession, from May through October. Jet skis are not currently available to rent.
What fish are in Chatfield Reservoir?
Trout, walleye, bass, channel catfish, yellow perch, crappie, bluegill, sunfish and carp. Spring is best for trout and walleye; ice fishing usually starts by mid-December.
Where can I find a current Chatfield fishing report?
Check CPW's stocking reports and Fishing Atlas, and ask at the entrance station for lake and ice conditions. Our fishing page explains species and seasons.
Can you see hot air balloons at Chatfield?
Yes. Chatfield is one of the most popular hot air balloon launch areas on the Front Range, with launches from the Montgolfier Balloon Port near the Deer Creek entrance.
Is Chatfield Farms the same as Chatfield State Park?
No. Chatfield Farms belongs to Denver Botanic Gardens, a separate organization with its own admission. Chatfield State Park is run by Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Can you ride horses at Chatfield?
Yes, on about 24 miles of trails. Big Horn Stables inside the park offers rentals and trail rides, and riders with their own horses use the west-side trailer parking and corrals.
Is Chatfield Reservoir open in winter?
The park is open all year. The reservoir closes to boats from December 1 until ice-off, but ice fishing, winter camping in C-Loop, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing continue.
Is Chatfield a national park?
No. Chatfield is a Colorado state park managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built its dam and reservoir.
Facts checked against the CPW page for Chatfield State Park on October 24, 2026.