Is Chatfield Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Chatfield Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Chatfield Campground before I book?

Yes! Chatfield Campground has 10 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Chatfield Campground?

Chatfield Campground is open Camping is open year‑round. Summer is peak season (spring–fall water recreation), while some loops and water facilities may close seasonally in winter; Loop C remains open in winter with access to restrooms/showers in nearby loops.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Chatfield Campground?

Yes, Chatfield Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Chatfield Campground have?

Chatfield Campground has 197 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Chatfield Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Chatfield Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Chatfield Campground?

Chatfield Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Chatfield Campground?

Popular activities at Chatfield Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Chatfield Campground

4.54

608 reviews

Top 15% in COSpring

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,456 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

197 campsites

Season

Camping is open year...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Pets Allowed

ElectricShowersWiFi

Book on Colorado Parks & Wildlife (Colorado State Parks)

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,456 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

197 campsites

Season

Camping is open year...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Pets Allowed

ElectricShowersWiFi

Book on Colorado Parks & Wildlife (Colorado State Parks)

Get Directions

Chatfield Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Colorado State Parks

Provider

I manage this campground

Ask Camp Sage about Chatfield Campground

Availability, what to pack, similar spots — ask anything and get an instant answer.

Campground Map

Chatfield Campground

39.5381, -105.0872

Nearby places

Denver — about 20 miles

Littleton — nearby (distance not specified)

Nearby supplies

Littleton — restaurants and shopping nearby

Weather at Chatfield Campground

Best Time to Camp at Chatfield Campground

Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for water activities, though you'll want to choose your site carefully if shade is a priority. Spring and fall offer the sweet spot of comfortable temperatures and thinner crowds, ideal for hiking and wildlife viewing. The campground welcomes winter campers year-round, though some loops close seasonally and services are limited—a trade-off for those peaceful, snow-dusted mornings with the reservoir all to yourself.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Top 15% in CO

Spring offers comfortable temps and active wildlife/wetland viewing; good for trail access pre-peak.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Camping is open year‑round. Summer is peak season (spring–fall water recreation), while some loops and water facilities may close seasonally in winter; Loop C remains open in winter with access to restrooms/showers in nearby loops.

About Chatfield Campground

Perched on hilltops overlooking Chatfield Reservoir, this popular state park campground blends modern convenience with stunning Front Range scenery just 20 miles southwest of Denver. Whether you're seeking a quick weekend escape from Littleton or a base camp for exploring Colorado's lower foothills, you'll find well-equipped sites with electric hookups—many with full hookups—and sweeping views of water and mountains.

Developed campground with sites suitable for tents and RVs, plus reservable group areas; not a primitive or cabin facility.

Historical Significance

Chatfield Reservoir was constructed for flood control and water supply on the South Platte River; the broader area has historical ties to ranching, irrigation and Denver’s expansion. Campground information and visitor resources focus primarily on recreation rather than detailed campsite‑specific history.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for water activities, though you'll want to choose your site carefully if shade is a priority. Spring and fall offer the sweet spot of comfortable temperatures and thinner crowds, ideal for hiking and wildlife viewing. The campground welcomes winter campers year-round, though some loops close seasonally and services are limited—a trade-off for those peaceful, snow-dusted mornings with the reservoir all to yourself.

Natural Features and SceneryRolling grasslands and open meadows cascade down to the sparkling waters of Chatfield Reservoir, where cottonwood-lined shores and wetland habitats create a haven for wildlife watchers. From your campsite, you'll enjoy panoramic views that sweep from the reservoir's blue expanse across prairie landscapes to the foothills beyond. The South Platte River winds through riparian corridors below, attracting an impressive variety of birds and creating those magical sunrise moments when mist rises off the water.

Geological RegionLower foothills of the Front Range

Scenic ViewsMany hilltop and outer‑edge sites provide broad vistas of Chatfield Reservoir and the Rocky Mountain foothills; site views vary, so higher or edge sites typically offer the best outlooks and sunrises/sunsets.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsUseDirect (Colorado Parks & Wildlife reservation system); reservations are required and are commonly made well in advance (reservations open up to six months ahead).

Total Campsites197 campsites

Best CampsitesHilltop sites and outer‑edge sites offer the best views of the reservoir and foothills. Loops A, B and D contain many of the full‑hookup sites close to the reservoir; loops B and C include sites with detached tent pads preferred by some tent campers.

Need help booking Chatfield Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Colorado State Parks Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Modern, well‑developed campground with paved pads, picnic tables, fire rings/grills, and on‑site services. All 197 sites have electric hookups; many sites in Loops A, B, and D offer full hookups (water and sewer). The park provides drinking water, flush toilets, hot showers and laundry, a dump station, and some free public Wi‑Fi.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

WiFi

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

A wide variety of water‑ and land‑based recreation centered on Chatfield Reservoir and surrounding trails, suitable for families and diverse interests.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCommon issues noted include heavy visitation and associated crowding on peak weekends, occasional noise from nearby roads and lake activity, and limited shade at some exposed sites. Typical Front Range wildlife (deer, small mammals, occasional coyotes) is present—store food properly and keep pets leashed per park rules.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Chatfield Campground

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

4.5

608 reviews

Top-Rated

Chatfield Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User sentiment is largely positive, praising scenery, site quality, and amenities; occasional reports note utility or noise issues. Google reviews and visitor reports commonly award high ratings and describe repeat visits.

Review Summaries

Based on 608 reviews

What Campers Love

Scenic hilltop sites with reservoir and foothill views, spacious paved pads, many full‑hookup options, modern restrooms and showers, laundry, on‑site Wi‑Fi, easy access to boating and trails, and...

Based on 608 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reserve well in advance (especially mid‑April to mid‑October); choose hilltop or outer‑edge sites for better views; prefer Loops A, B, or D for full hookups; expect variable shade and check park...

Based on 608 reviews