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Recreation AreaRecreation.gov

Chatfield Lake

Littleton, Colorado · Jefferson County

Chatfield Dam, located southwest of Denver on the South Platte River, was the second of three dams built to protect the Denver region from floods. The 1,479-acre land and the 5,300 acres surrounding it provide a myriad of recreational opportunities including camping, fishing, and swimming. Chatfield Nature Preserve for…

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39.55965, -105.05897
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About Chatfield Lake

Chatfield Dam, located southwest of Denver on the South Platte River, was the second of three dams built to protect the Denver region from floods. The 1,479-acre land and the 5,300 acres surrounding it provide a myriad of recreational opportunities including camping, fishing, and swimming. Chatfield Nature Preserve for environmental studies and the old Hildebrand Homestead, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, are open to visitors.

Plan Your Visit to Chatfield Lake

Heading to Chatfield Lake? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Chatfield Lake?

No central reservation system listed for Chatfield Lake. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/284) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Chatfield Lake?

Located off C-470 southwest of Denver at the Wadsworth interchange.