ATV Trails & Friendly Campgrounds in Ontario – RV Park Ontario

Maitland Shores Resort at 659 Port Maitland Road, Dunnville, Ontario, is one of the few campgrounds on Lake Erie with on-site trail access. Riders can head out directly from their campsite — no trailering to a separate location, no wasted morning driving. The trails run through the resort’s 300-acre property and connect to surrounding terrain in Haldimand County. Open April 15 through October 31.

Yes. In Ontario, ATVs and dirt bikes are generally treated as off-road vehicles (ORVs), but the exact rules depend on whether they are being used on private property, public trails, Crown land, or roads.

Ontario ATV & dirt-bike basics

• Registration: ORVs generally must be registered and display a licence plate when operated where the provincial ORV requirements apply. (Ontario)

• Insurance: An ORV generally must have motor-vehicle liability insurance. (Ontario)

• Helmet: Riders generally must wear an approved motorcycle helmet securely fastened under the chin. There is a specific exemption when the owner of the ORV is also the occupier of the land. (Ontario)

• Age: For off-road riding, a driver generally must be at least 12, unless directly supervised by an adult or riding on land occupied by the ORV owner. (Ontario)

• Public roads: Additional requirements apply. Generally, the driver must be 16+ and have at least a G2/M2 licence for on-road ORV operation. Municipal rules also determine whether ORVs are permitted on certain roads. (Ontario)

• Trails: You must ride only where ORV use is permitted and have the required permission/permit. You cannot simply ride an ATV or dirt bike anywhere on private property or Crown land. (Ontario)

• Speed on roads: Where ORVs are legally permitted, the maximum is generally 20 km/h on roads posted 50 km/h or less, and 50 km/h on roads posted over 50 km/h. Municipalities can impose lower limits. (Ontario)

For Maitland Shores specifically

ATVs and dirt bikes are permitted only with prior approval and registration at the office. Riders must follow Ontario law, wear helmets, carry required insurance/registration, stay on designated riding areas, obey the park’s speed limit, and never ride through campground areas, pedestrian areas, or unauthorized trails.

You can also make a rule that outside guests/non-residents cannot bring or operate ATVs or dirt bikes, while registered park residents are permitted under your park’s conditions.

If you want, I can also give you a complete ATV & Dirt Bike Rules and Regulations document specifically written for Maitland Shores, including $20/day ATV fees, designated riding hours, speed limits, helmets, children, guests, noise, alcohol, parking and penalties.