Chatfield State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Southwest of Denver in the foothills of the Front Range is Chatfield State Park, a 3,895-acre park with outstanding views of the Rocky Mountains and surrounding foothills, as well as the Chatfield Dam and Reservoir. Settlers and miners arrived to the area in 1858 searching for gold. One settler was Isaac W. Chatfield, a former Union lieutenant in the Civil War, who bought farmland near the South Platte River. After several disastrous floods, the state purchased Chatfield’s former property and transformed the area by erecting the Chatfield Dam and Reservoir to help with flood control. In 1975, the state designated the reservoir, dam, and surrounding lands as Chatfield State Park in honor of Lt. Chatfield.
Visitors are attracted to the park for its diverse landscapes with wide open spaces, rolling plains, and mountain views, as well as the expansive Chatfield Reservoir. The cool waters of the reservoir are ideal for water sports like sailing, water skiing, kayaking and fishing, as well as swimming and sunbathing on its western shore. Nature lovers will enjoy hiking, biking, and horseback riding through 26 miles of trails that wind through grassy foothills and the Platte River Valley and showcase abundant wildlife like mule deer, bald eagles, and prairie dogs. Visitors can even launch hot air balloons and fly a model airplane at the park!
Chatfield State Park is one of Denver’s most popular parks and with its beautiful rolling foothills, deep blue reservoir waters, and abundant recreational opportunities, it’s easy to see why. Read on for more about what makes this park unique and where to sleep, eat, and play when visiting the area.
Spring 35-62 F
Summer 55-83 F
Fall 34-64 F
Winter 13-46 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Chatfield State Park
One of the main draws to any state park is to experience nature — whether it’s spotting a bald eagle as it flies over the lake or gazing up at the infinite number of stars in the night sky. Experience nature in a new way by camping in an RV!
RVing is a popular way to enjoy the natural wonders of state parks, without giving up conveniences like A/C and comfy couches or the freedom to travel at your own pace. RVshare makes it easy to rent an RV near your home or travel destination. Close to Chatfield State Park, you can find RVs in Denver and stay in campgrounds nearby, including:
Chatfield State Park Campground
Bordered by native grasses and within walking distance to the lake, the park’s campgrounds let you rest and recharge in peace while staying close to all the action. Open all year, there are 197 sites spread across four campgrounds: 51 sites with electrical hookups and 146 sites with full hookups. Rates are $36-$41 per night.
Water hookup: Yes (spring / summer only)
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wifi: No
Pet friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Showers, flush toilets, laundry facility, grills, picnic tables, fire pits, hiking, biking, horseback riding, equestrian stalls, swimming, water sports, dumping station, boat ramp
Indian Paintbrush Campground
If the campgrounds at Chatfield are booked or you’d like to visit another beautiful park near Denver, then head to Indian Paintbrush Campground in Bear Creek Lake Regional Park. Open April to October, this well-maintained campground has 47 sites and is close to Big Soda Lake and swimming areas. Soak up panoramic views of rolling foothills and the Rocky Mountains right outside your RV. Rates are $25 per night.
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wifi: No
Pet friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Bathhouse, showers, fire pits, grills, picnic tables, swimming, hiking, hiking, horseback riding, water sports, boat ramp, dumping station
What to Do at
Chatfield State Park
Inside Chatfield State Park
Clocking in at 1,400 acres, it’s no wonder visitors flock to the park to enjoy Chatfield Reservoir by swimming, fishing, kayaking, or partaking in water sports like water skiing, jet skiing, and sailing. Explore the rest of the park by foot, bike, or horseback or take flight by launching a hot air balloon or flying a model airplane.
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the park offers guided hikes and campfire programs, as well as educational programs sponsored by the Audubon Society of Greater Denver.
Here are more details on the park’s most popular activities:
Hiking and Biking - Lace up your hiking boots or grab your bike and hit the 26 miles of trails that pass through the park, with average elevations reaching 5,450 feet. Take the Waterton Canyon Trail for an easier hike with amazing canyon views or get your heart pumping on the Goat Mountain Trail, whose steep inclines give way to beautiful summit views.
Horseback Riding - With most trails open to horses, equestrians will enjoy riding through miles of prairies and forests. Chatfield Stables offers horseback riding on-site with horses available for all experience levels. Rates are $40/hour/person.
Boating - Boaters will delight in the plentiful water activities at Chatfield Reservoir, whether that’s cruising around in a sailboat, paddling along in a canoe, or testing out your water skis. Boat rentals are available at the marina, where you can also eat at Seagull’s, a floating restaurant.
Swimming - Head to the western shore of Chatfield Reservoir to access the park’s swim beach, open Memorial Day through Labor Day. There are also bathroom facilities and picnic areas. There are no lifeguards on duty, so swim with a buddy!
Fishing - Anglers come to the park to take advantage of its many fishing opportunities. Cast a line to catch species like rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, and catfish. Fishing licenses are required.
How to Get to
Chatfield State Park
Chatfield State Park is located in Littleton, about 24 miles south of Denver.
From Denver, drive on US-85 South to the Titan Parkway exit. Turn right on Titan Parkway, then turn right onto Roxborough Park Road. Continue straight on Roxborough Park Road to reach the park’s entrance.
Address : 11500 N Roxborough Park Rd, Littleton, CO 80125
Entering Chatfield State Park
Admission is $9 per vehicle. The park is open every day from 5am until 10pm.
Retreat to the Rockies by planning a trip to Chatfield State Park! Take us along on your adventures by tagging us on social media or sending your photos and stories to [email protected] and you might be featured on our blog or social media. Happy (RV) camping!
Frequently Asked Questions About Chatfield State Park
The summertime months of May through September offer the best temperatures for enjoying water activities on the reservoir. These months are also peak times for hiking trails and enjoying a hot air balloon ride.
Chatfield State Park has a semi-arid climate with low humidity for most of the year. The region gets over 3,100 hours of sunlight each year. Weather patterns are moderate, but it can get cold and snowy from January through April.
Bird-watchers will enjoy seeing songbirds and raptors, including glimpses of bald eagles. Mammals spotted at Chatfield State Park include black bears, deer, elk, and mountain lions. Anglers come here to catch catfish and rainbow trout.
Yes. The park has multiple camping areas with 146 full hookup sites that include electricity, sewer, and water. It sits on the southern edge of the Denver suburbs, so make reservations ahead of time to secure a site.
Yes. You can bring your four-legged family members to Chatfield State Park as long as they are leashed, supervised, and you clean up after them. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Department provides a dog off-leash area for an additional fee.
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