Chatfield Reservoir sits just southwest of Denver where the South Platte River leaves the mountains at Waterton Canyon. Chatfield State Park surrounds it with a marina, a swim beach, campgrounds and miles of trails.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Chatfield, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons, or a side-by-side for the foothills southwest of Denver.
The reservoir covers about 1,500 surface acres, with a big power zone for skiing and jet skis and two large no-wake zones for quieter water.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Chatfield
Just show up and ride — your boat, jet skis and gear are ready at Chatfield with no towing required.
- MasterCraft boat rentals – roomy premium boats with surf boards, wakeboards and tubes, so the whole group can ride at Chatfield.
- Sea-Doo rentals – rent a single jet ski or several for your group's day on Chatfield.
- Boat tours with a driver – great for celebrations, families and anyone who wants surf or ski lessons on Chatfield.
- Water toys and towables – tubes, lily pads and paddle boards for kids and grown-ups alike.
- Side-by-side and ATV rentals – Can-Am UTVs for the trails and backroads near Chatfield.
Book Now or call or text 1-888-594-6610 – we answer 7 a.m.–10 p.m. every day.
Chatfield at a glance
| Location | Littleton, southwest of Denver |
|---|---|
| Size | About 1,500 surface acres |
| Park | Chatfield State Park |
| Launches | North ramps (eight lanes) and a south ramp (two lanes) |
| Marina | Full-service marina with slips and a floating restaurant |
| Boating season | March 1 (as ice allows) through November 30 |
| Camping | Nearly 200 campsites |
| Trails | About 26 miles for hiking, biking and horseback riding |
Best things to do on Chatfield
- Wakesurfing – ride the main power zone with the foothills as a backdrop.
- Jet skiing – Sea-Doo laps in the power zone, counterclockwise with the traffic.
- Swim beach – open Memorial Day to Labor Day, sunrise to sunset.
- Paddleboarding – the no-wake zones and gravel ponds have calm water.
- Fishing – an accessible fishing pier sits near the marina.
- Hot air balloons – balloons often launch from the park on calm mornings.
- Trails and horseback riding – about 26 miles of trails and a stable in the park.
- Waterton Canyon – hike or bike up the South Platte just south of the park.
Where to launch at Chatfield
- North boat ramps – eight launch lanes and four courtesy docks on the northwest side.
- South boat ramp – two lanes and a courtesy dock on the southeast side.
- Marina – slips, boat storage and a floating restaurant.
Ramps change with the water level, and rangers may hold launches when the reservoir hits boating capacity on busy days; check with Chatfield State Park before you go. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Chatfield
- Get on the water early on summer weekends; the reservoir can reach boating capacity.
- Boats travel counterclockwise in the main power zone.
- Use the southwest and southeast no-wake zones for paddling and swimming breaks.
- There's no lifeguard at the swim beach.
- Bring a state parks pass or buy a daily pass at the entrance.
- Pack sunscreen and water; there's little shade on the water.
Colorado boating rules to know
- Colorado requires a properly sized, Coast Guard–approved life jacket for every person on board. Children 12 and under must wear one whenever the boat is on the water (unless inside an enclosed cabin or below deck), and everyone on a jet ski or being towed must wear one. Inflatable life jackets don't count for jet skis or towed sports.
- No one under 14 may drive a motorboat or jet ski in Colorado. Operators 14 to 17 must complete a CPW-approved boating safety course and carry the certificate.
- Adults 18 and older don't need a boating license or safety course in Colorado, though Colorado Parks and Wildlife recommends one.
- For our rentals, the operator must be 18 or older with a valid driver's license; passengers of any age are welcome with a parent or guardian's approval.
- Keep to wakeless speed in posted no-wake zones, and slow down so your wake doesn't reach swimmers, docks, or anchored and fishing boats.
- Jet skis may only be operated between sunrise and sunset.
- Bringing your own boat? Motorboats and sailboats need a Colorado ANS stamp, and every motorized or trailered boat must pass a mandatory aquatic nuisance species inspection before launching. At many lakes, ramps only open during inspection hours.
- At Chatfield, boats travel counterclockwise in the main power zone, the southwest and southeast ends are no-wake, and swimming isn't allowed at the marina, the boat docks or any area marked keep-out.
Map of Chatfield Reservoir
Chatfield rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Chatfield?
MasterCraft wakesurf and wakeboard boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, water toys like tubes and lily pads, private boat tours with lessons, and ATV and side-by-side rentals for the trails nearby.
Will my boat be at Chatfield when I arrive?
Yes. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at Chatfield, so there's nothing to tow.
Do I need a boating license to drive a rental on Chatfield?
Colorado doesn't issue a boating license. Adults 18 and older can drive without a course, and ages 14 to 17 need a CPW-approved boating safety certificate. To rent from us, the operator must be 18 or older with a valid driver's license.
How big is Chatfield Reservoir?
About 1,500 surface acres, in Chatfield State Park just southwest of Denver.
When is Chatfield open to boating?
From March 1, as ice allows, through November 30.
Where do you launch on Chatfield?
At the eight-lane north ramps on the northwest side or the two-lane south ramp on the southeast side. Ramps change with the water level.
Why do boats get held at the ramp?
On busy days Chatfield can reach boating capacity, and rangers hold new launches until another boat leaves the water.
Send an email