Spring and Fall Camping on Lake Erie in Ontario: Make the Most of April and October

Most people think of camping as a July and August activity, but some of the best days at the lake come at the edges of the season. Spring brings quiet mornings and the first warm afternoons. Fall brings cool, clear evenings, empty beaches and the kind of calm that is hard to find in peak summer. Maitland Shores Resort – RV Park & Marina in Dunnville, Ontario, is open from April 15 to October 31, so you can camp on Lake Erie well before and well after the summer crowds.

This guide explains what spring and fall camping on Lake Erie is really like, what to pack, what to do, and how to choose the right kind of site for a shoulder-season trip.

Why Camp Outside the Summer Rush?

Summer weekends fill up fast across southern Ontario. Camping in April, May, September and October gives you a different trip altogether.

• More space and more quiet. Fewer people on the beach, at the boat launch and along the shoreline means you can actually hear the water.
• Easier planning. With fewer campers on the road, towing and setting up are less stressful.
• Cooler temperatures for active days. Hiking, riding and fishing are more comfortable when you are not fighting the midday heat.
• A longer camping season. If you have a trailer, there is no reason it should sit in the driveway for half the year.

Camping on Lake Erie in the Spring

The park opens on April 15, which makes it a good place to start your camping year. Spring on the lake is a slow, fresh season. Days can be sunny and mild, and nights can still be cold, so it pays to be ready for both.

Spring is a practical time to settle into a seasonal site. If you keep a trailer on site for the summer, opening weekend is when you get it set up, check your hookups and make the site yours before the busy months begin. If you are visiting for a weekend, you get a quiet, easy start to the season.

Spring is also a good time to get your boat ready. Maitland Shores has a marina and a boat launch, so you can launch from the park instead of hunting for a public ramp. Lake conditions change quickly in spring, so check the forecast before you go out and bring life jackets for everyone aboard.

Camping on Lake Erie in the Fall

Fall is the season many campers quietly prefer. The crowds thin out, the evenings cool down and a campfire starts to feel like the point of the trip rather than an afterthought. Because the park stays open until October 31, you can camp deep into the fall.

The heated saltwater pool and the private beach each give you something different to enjoy. The beach is a place to walk and watch the lake rather than swim in the cooler months. Check the amenities page for what is available in the season you plan to visit.

Fall is also the season when hunters head out. The park offers deer, goose and duck hunting in season. Hunting seasons, licences and rules are set by the province of Ontario, so confirm the current regulations on the Ontario government website and call the park about access before you arrive. You can read more on our hunting page.

What to Pack for Cooler Weather

The main difference between summer and shoulder-season camping is preparation. A few extra items make the trip comfortable instead of a struggle.

• Warm layers. Evenings off the lake can be cool, especially in April, May and October. Pack a fleece, a warm hat and a windproof jacket.
• Rain gear. Showers are common in spring and fall. A good jacket and waterproof boots keep a wet day enjoyable.
• Extra bedding. A warmer sleeping bag or an extra blanket helps tent campers sleep through cold nights.
• RV essentials. Bring your own hoses, power cord and levelling blocks. Check your trailer’s heating and your water system before you leave.
• Firewood and a way to light it. A fire is the best part of a cool evening. Ask the office about local rules on firewood and campfires.
• Boating and fishing gear. Life jackets, your boat registration and a valid Ontario fishing licence if you plan to fish.

Things to Do Around the Park

You do not need a packed schedule at the lake. Many shoreline days are about slowing down, but there is plenty to do when you want it.

• Fish on Lake Erie. Anglers can fish from a boat or from shore. Check current Ontario fishing rules and limits before you go, and read about fishing near Maitland Shores.
• Ride the ATV trails. The park has ATV trail access, which makes it easy to build a riding weekend around your campsite. Ask the office about trail rules and what to bring. More details are on our ATV page.
• Walk the beach. The private beach is a quiet place for a morning walk or a sunset, and it is at its best when it is nearly empty.
• Spend time at the marina. Watch the boats come and go, or head out on the water yourself.
• Explore Dunnville and Haldimand County. The town is close by for groceries, supplies and a change of scenery.

Choose the Right Kind of Site

Maitland Shores has different options depending on how you like to camp.

• Overnight RV sites: about 50 sites with 30 and 50 amp full hookups, including pull-through sites. These suit a weekend trip or a first spring outing with your trailer.
• Tent sites: about 110 sites for tent camping near the water. Pack extra warmth in spring and fall.
• Seasonal sites: more than 230 sites for campers who want a home base from April to October. A seasonal site means you do not have to repack and rebook every weekend.

If you are curious about seasonal camping for next year, see our camping page and the rates page, or call the park to ask about 2027 seasonal sites.

How Far Is the Park From Where You Live?

Maitland Shores is at 659 Port Maitland Road in Dunnville. It is a short drive from many southern Ontario cities, which makes a spring or fall weekend easy to plan.

Drive times depend on traffic and the time of day, so leave extra room on Friday afternoons, especially when towing a trailer.

Planning Tips for a Shoulder-Season Trip

• Check the forecast a few days ahead. Lake weather can change fast, so decide on your plans once you know what to expect.
• Arrive in daylight. The office is open from 10am to 4pm during the season. Plan to arrive within those hours so you can check in without rushing, and set up before it gets dark.
• Book ahead. You can reserve online through Campspot, and you can call or email the park with questions about sites, rates or availability.
• Pack for two seasons in one day. A cold morning can turn into a warm afternoon, and the reverse is just as likely in the evening.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the park open and close?

Maitland Shores is open from April 15 to October 31.

Is camping in April and October really comfortable?

It can be, as long as you pack for cooler weather. Warm layers, rain gear and extra bedding make a big difference, and RV campers have the added comfort of a heated trailer.

Do you have tent sites for spring and fall?

Yes. The park has about 110 tent sites as well as about 50 overnight RV sites with 30 and 50 amp full hookups.

Can I stay for the whole season?

Yes. The park has more than 230 seasonal sites for campers who want a home base from spring to fall.

How do I book?

Reservations are made online through Campspot. You can also call (647) 212-1234 or email info@rvparkontario.com.