A two-mile artificial lake lying on the South Platte River, surrounded by a rich, scenic landscape which provides a home to hundreds of animal species, Chatfield Lake is a wonderful destination for relaxation and recreation. Chatfield State Park surrounds the lake and has a confluence with Plum Creek near the foothills of Rocky Mountains. Located in Littleton, Colorado, the lake is administered by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. The dam at the lake was originally built as a response to massive floods in the region in 1965. Alongside its purpose of flood control, the lake acts as a major source of water to the city of Denver. The Corps leases over 5,000 acres of land and water to the State of Colorado Department of Natural Resources Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation which is used in the operation of Chatfield State Park. The Corps also leases separate portions of the property to the Colorado Division of Wildlife for fish production and rearing areas. Visitors to Chatfield have countless recreational options open to them. Numerous trails run through the resort for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The lake is also a watersports haven; it has a diverse sport fish population, with boating, swimming and kayaking opportunities also open to visitors. Chatfield Lake also has some wonderful relaxation options, and the park has 197 comfortable campsites open to visitors, making it a brilliant destination for RV campers.
The resort is located in Littleton CO and can be easily accessed by taking C-470 to the Wadsworth Exit. Go south on Wadsworth for a half-mile to the first set of traffic lights and turn left. The roads are smooth and vehicle-friendly, and signposts and park rangers provide you with necessary directions within the resort.
The campground at Chatfield is a comfortable pet-friendly campground with 197 sites. One hundred forty-six sites have full hookups with electricity, water, and sewer hookups all available. These sites are located in A, B, and D loops. The other 51 campsites have electricity only and are located in loop C. Amenities at the ground include hot showers, flush toilets, picnic tables, laundry facilities, and a camp store.
There is also a dump station, firewood, drinking water, and WiFi access. There are ten group campsites, with all sites at the ground within walking distance of the lake. Campers must be adherent to campground regulations. Sites often fill up quickly, so visitors are advised to make reservations. The reservation window is open as far as six months in advance.
Chatfield lake has a healthy sport fish population. Anglers to the lake can fish for trout, walleye, and bass, which are very common. Yellow perch, carp, bluegill, and channel fish are also common catches at the lake. The best fishing opportunities usually come early in the morning or late at night, when the reservoir is calm and quiet.
The Colorado Division of Wildlife frequently replenishes the lake with sport fish to maintain the population and support fishing opportunities at the lake. Ice fishing is also available during winter months. There is also a special fishing pier for disabled people. Fishing at the lake requires adequate licensing which can be purchased from local vendors.
Numerous picnic sites with tables and grills can be found located throughout the park. Both group and individual sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Some tables have shelters, with different sizes available for individuals and groups.
There are 12 miles of asphalt and concrete trails at Chatfield, perfect for biking. Chatfield Dam Trail covers about 2.7 miles, with medium difficulty. The Chatfield Internal Bikeway takes up about 10 of the 12 miles and is paved all through making for a comfortable, smooth bike ride.
The Equestrian Loop Trail is paved all through its 3.2 miles and gives visitors some brilliant birding opportunities. It's not a designated bike trail but is sometimes used by bikers to explore the park. Bike trails are often used by pedestrians, and bikers should be cautious while riding.
Boating is a very popular activity among visitors at Chatfield Lake. The resort has two boat ramps, one on the northwest side of the reservoir and another on the southeast side with a combined ten launch lanes. There are also five courtesy docks which are open seasonally. The power zone is the lake's main boating area and can be very busy during in-season months. If the reservoir reaches boating capacity, park rangers at the docks may not allow new boats to launch until another has left the reservoir. The reservoir is closed to boats and other watercraft in cases of ice or bad weather preventing safe navigation.
Have you wanted to try archery, but didn't know where to start? You can participate in archery classes at Chatfield State Park. Students will learn about range safety, as well as proper shooting form and basic technique. Supervisors provide the necessary equipment and instruction. Please note that children will need to be at least eight years old and accompanied by an adult to be eligible for the class.
The wide grasslands and rich vegetation at Chatfield is home to an abundance of wildlife. The terrain has a rich and diverse mammal and reptile population which visitors can experience at the resort. Common mammal species include foxes, white-tailed deer, mule deers, coyotes, bear, elk, and cottontail rabbit. Hikers along the trails can also spot different snake species. Early morning walkers may hear the distinct sound of a rattlesnake, but bull snakes, racers and different garter species are also common. Turtles are also plentiful at the lake and can be spotted by boaters and swimmers.
