The striker raced clear six minutes from time but drove his shot against the legs of Cumbrian's keeper Keiren Westwood.
It was one of the few clear-cut opportunities in a game that was tense but never boring - although the home side may feel they did enough to win after a commanding second-half performance.
Both managers kept faith with the sides that claimed opening day victories.
And within three minutes Carlisle striker Karl Hawley - who claimed 26 goals last season - had a golden chance to put his side ahead.
The pacey front man latched on to a long ball but lofted a weak effort into the arms of Barry Roche from the edge of the box.
Kevin Gall then rifled a half-volley inches wide on 30 minutes as the visitors continued to pose the greater attacking threat.
Chesterfield responded with Larkin and Paul Shaw both going close before Roche produced a wonderful finger-tip save to prevent Peter Murphy's 25-yard free kick from dropping under the bar.
Kevan Hurst then drove a low volley straight at Westwood but the half ended on a sour note for the Spireites when Shaw was forced off with an injury.
Shortly after the break Wayne Allison, who replaced Shaw, and Mark Allott both saw efforts deflected inches over.
And at the other end, Michael Bridges wasted a fine chance when he chested down Murphy's long ball and volleyed wide from eight yards.
Chances were at a premium for the rest of the match but with the clock ticking down Westwood denied Larkin to ensure the game ended all square.