A Simple 3-Day Family Camping Plan on Lake Erie in Ontario

A family camping weekend does not need a complicated plan. It needs a comfortable site, a few easy activities and enough slow time by the water that nobody feels rushed. If you are searching for a campground near Hamilton, Niagara or Brantford, Maitland Shores Resort – RV Park & Marina in Dunnville, Ontario, gives you a Lake Erie waterfront setting within about an hour of many southern Ontario homes.

Here is a simple three-day plan you can follow as written or change to fit your family.

Before You Go: Pick the Right Site

Your site shapes the whole trip, so decide early how you want to camp.

• Overnight RV sites: about 50 sites with 30 and 50 amp full hookups, including pull-through sites. A pull-through site makes arrival easier when you are towing a trailer with kids in the vehicle.
• Tent sites: about 110 sites for families who prefer a tent near the water.
• Seasonal sites: more than 230 sites for families who want a summer home base instead of a weekend trip.

The park is open from April 15 to October 31. You can reserve online through Campspot, or call (647) 212-1234 or email info@rvparkontario.com with questions about availability and rates.

Day One: Arrive, Set Up and Settle In

The office is open from 10am to 4pm during the season, so plan to arrive within those hours. Check in, find your site and set up while there is still daylight. Do the boring jobs first: level the trailer or pitch the tent, connect your hookups, and put the food and bedding where you can find it.

Once camp is ready, keep the first evening easy. Walk down to the water, let the kids burn off the car ride and cook a simple dinner. A campfire is the best way to end the first night. Ask the office about the current campfire and firewood rules before you light one.

Drive times are short enough that you can leave after work on a Friday. It is about 35 minutes from Hamilton, 40 from Niagara Falls and St. Catharines, 45 from Brantford, and 60 from Cambridge and Kitchener. From Toronto or London, plan on about 90 minutes.

Day Two: Water, Sand and the Pool

Make day two the big outdoor day. Maitland Shores has a private beach and a heated saltwater pool, so you have two ways to cool off or warm up depending on the weather.

• Morning: a slow breakfast, then a walk along the shoreline. Mornings are quiet and cool, and they are the best time to see the lake before it gets busy.
• Midday: lunch at the site, then the beach or the pool. The pool is a good backup when the lake is rough or the water is still cool.
• Afternoon: rest in the shade. Younger kids often need downtime, and so do parents.
• Evening: dinner, a fire and a sunset on the lake.

If your family likes boating, the park has a marina and a boat launch. Check the forecast before you head out, wear life jackets and keep the trip short with younger children. See the amenities page for a full list of what the park offers.

Day Three: Try Something Different, Then Head Home

On the last day, add one activity that is different from the first two. Some families fish, some ride the ATV trails and some simply walk around the park.

• Fishing: Lake Erie is a draw for anglers. Check current Ontario fishing rules and licence requirements first, and read our fishing guide.
• ATV trails: the park has ATV trail access. Ask the office about trail rules and what to bring. More details are on our ATV page.
• A last beach walk: sometimes the best final activity is the simplest one.

Pack up in stages. Take down the awning and load the gear the night before, so the final morning is calm instead of a scramble. Leave yourself time before checkout, and make the drive home before the afternoon traffic builds.

What to Pack for a Family Weekend

• Sun and bug protection: sunscreen, hats and bug spray.
• Water gear: swimsuits, towels, sandals and life jackets for everyone on a boat.
• Warm layers: evenings by the lake can be cool, especially in spring and fall.
• Simple meals: plan a few easy dinners and plenty of snacks so you are not cooking all day.
• RV basics: your own hoses, power cord and levelling blocks.
• Games and a few small comforts: cards, a ball and a camp chair for everyone.

Tips That Make Family Camping Easier

• Keep the schedule loose. One planned activity a day is plenty. Leave space for rest.
• Set up before dark. It is much easier to find the bag with the pyjamas in daylight.
• Check the forecast. Lake weather can change quickly, so have an indoor or pool backup.
• Involve the kids. Give them real jobs, like collecting kindling or setting the table, and they will enjoy the trip more.
• Book early. Popular weekends fill up, so reserve before you need to.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the campground open?

Maitland Shores is open from April 15 to October 31.

Are there tent sites for families?

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

Is the campground near Hamilton and Niagara?

It is about 35 minutes from Hamilton and about 40 minutes from Niagara Falls and St. Catharines.

How do I reserve a site?

Reserve online through Campspot, or call (647) 212-1234 or email info@rvparkontario.com.