Chatfield State Park is Denver’s big backyard lake: 5,381 acres of water, prairie and cottonwood river bottoms on the southwest edge of the metro area, with boating, a swim beach, miles of trails, camping, and colorful hot air balloons drifting over the reservoir on calm mornings.

Chatfield exists because of a disaster. After the devastating South Platte River flood of June 1965, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built Chatfield Dam between 1967 and 1975 to protect Denver, creating Chatfield Reservoir at the mouth of Waterton Canyon. The park, run by Colorado Parks and Wildlife and named for pioneer Edward Livingston Chatfield, sits at about 5,450 feet with the foothills rising just to the west.

There is something for everyone here. Boaters, paddleboarders and anglers share the reservoir, and the swim beach is a summer favorite. Hikers, cyclists and horseback riders use about 32.8 miles of trails, and dogs can run free in a large off-leash area. Birders have recorded about 345 species in the park, one of the best counts in Colorado. Campers can choose from 197 campsites plus group sites, and the park is also known for its model airplane field and hot air balloon launches. For a red-rock hike nearby, visit Roxborough State Park, just a few miles south.

Insider tip: Come at sunrise on a calm summer weekend for a chance to see hot air balloons rising over the water. In fall and winter, the quiet shoreline is a great place to spot migrating waterfowl and bald eagles.

Chatfield offers free entry for veterans on November 11, 2026, and Colorado state parks are free on Fresh Air Friday, November 27, 2026. Crews are removing hazard trees in parts of the park, so some areas may be temporarily closed; check the Chatfield State Park page for current alerts.