What are the hours and season for Chatfield State Park?

Chatfield State Park is open Year-round. Check-in: 2:00 PM. Check-out: 12:00 PM.

What are the fire rules at Chatfield State Park?

Fire rules at Chatfield State Park: Campfires in fire rings only. Colorado fire restrictions common in summer due to drought. Check cpw.state.co.us for current conditions. Propane always permitted.

What is the best time to visit Chatfield State Park?

Sep: Best weather. Crowds drop after Labor Day. Full mountain views. Off-season rates. Oct: Fall colors on the cottonwoods. Cool and perfect. Excellent for birding. Mar: Shoulder season. First spring migrants. Quiet. Full hookup sites available.

What are the best things to do near Chatfield State Park?

Near Chatfield State Park: Rocky Mountain sunset views from camp. Great blue heron rookery (spring). South Platte River Trail connection to Denver trail network. Red Rocks Amphitheatre (12 mi).

Is there wildlife at Chatfield State Park?

Wildlife alert for Chatfield State Park: Bald eagles winter at the reservoir (November-February) — one of Colorado's best eagle-watching spots. Coyotes active at dusk in the prairie areas. Prairie dogs have large colonies near the park — watch for dog holes on off-trail walking. No bears in this park.

What are the common problems at Chatfield State Park?

At Chatfield State Park: Traffic noise from C-470 audible on some sites near the highway. Solution: Request sites in the western loops (sites 1-50) which face the mountains and have more natural buffering.

What are the insider tips for Chatfield State Park?

Insider tips for Chatfield State Park: Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is 12 miles away — a stunning free hike even when there's no concert scheduled The marina rents pedal boats and kayaks by the hour — Chatfield Reservoir has excellent warm-water fishing Denver REI flagship store is 20 minutes away — use Chatfield as your gear-check base before heading to the mountains

What makes Chatfield State Park unique?

The great blue heron rookery in the cottonwood grove on the east shore — 40-50 nesting pairs active in spring. Walking distance from the campground loops. Some of the most dramatic bird photography in Colorado.

Chatfield State Park

✓ Sites Available

Denver’s backyard campground — reservoir, hookups, and Rocky Mountain views

Littleton, CO (South Denver metro)4.4 (3280)5,432 ft

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Chatfield State Park sits on a 1,550-acre reservoir at the base of the Front Range, just 20 minutes southwest of Denver. Colorado’s most-used state park offers 197 sites with full hookup options, swimming beaches, marina, horse stables, and direct access to the South Platte River trail network. At only 5,432 ft it’s accessible earlier and later than the high-country parks. The Rocky Mountains frame the western skyline from every campsite. Book through Colorado Parks and Wildlife — summer weekends fill fast.

Things to do nearby

DenverRed Rocks AmphitheatreRoxborough State ParkRocky Mountain sunset views from camp

Best For

Denver area campersRV campers wanting hookupsBoatersFamiliesWinter Front Range camping

Site Types

TentRV (full hookups available, no length limit)

Amenities

Flush Toilets

Showers

Drinking Water

Full Hookup Sites

Dump Station

Boat Ramp

Swimming Beach

Marina

Horse Stables

Disc Golf

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Season

Year-round

Max/site

6 people

Known Issues

Can feel suburban — C-470 traffic noise audible on some sites. Very popular with day users on summer weekends. Cottonwood pollen severe in May.

Cancellation Policy

Colorado Parks & Wildlife: $10 non-refundable reservation fee. Cancel 3+ days: refund minus fee. Less than 3 days: first night forfeited.

Why campers love Chatfield State Park

Chatfield does something no mountain park can — it puts you 20 minutes from Denver with full hookup RV sites, a swimming beach, a marina, and the Rocky Mountains on the horizon. It's the most practical campground on the Front Range. For road trippers doing Colorado, it's an ideal first-night stop before heading into the high country. For Denver locals, it's a Friday-to-Sunday escape that requires no mountain driving.

What's new in 2026

2026: Colorado Parks and Wildlife reservation system. Reserve at cpw.state.co.us.

What campers say about Chatfield State Park

"Mountain views from camp are extraordinary. Woke up to Pike's Peak and the entire Front Range in the morning light."

— Google Reviews

"Full hookup sites for a $41 park fee. No private campground near Denver can match this."

— The Dyrt

"Weekdays in September: empty beach, calm lake, mountains to ourselves. This place is special off-peak."

— Campendium

Not the right fit if…

✕You want mountain wilderness (this is suburban-adjacent)
✕You have pollen allergies in May

Frequently asked questions

How much does Chatfield State Park cost per night?+

Chatfield State Park costs $28–$41 per night depending on site type and season. Hookup options: Full hookup (electric + water + sewer) available. Electric-only sites. Standard no-hookup sites.

What season is Chatfield State Park open?+

Chatfield State Park is open Year-round. Check-in is 2:00 PM, check-out is 12:00 PM.

Does Chatfield State Park have hookups?+

Full hookup (electric + water + sewer) available. Electric-only sites. Standard no-hookup sites.

What is the maximum RV length at Chatfield State Park?+

Chatfield State Park can accommodate RVs up to 55 feet long.

How do I make reservations at Chatfield State Park?+

Book Chatfield State Park directly at camperwatch.org/book/chatfield-state-park-campground. No booking fees. Select your dates and site type and pay online.

Does Chatfield State Park have beach access?+

Chatfield State Park has beach access. Check the campground details for distance and access points.

What is the cell service like at Chatfield State Park?+

Excellent. Full bars on all carriers throughout the park. Full internet access. Denver metro infrastructure.

How far is Chatfield State Park from the nearest town?+

Nearest services: Littleton — 3 miles. Full Denver metro services.