RV Park on Lake Erie Ontario — Waterfront Camping at Maitland Shores Resort, Dunnville
Finding a genuinely good RV park on Lake Erie in Ontario takes more research than most campers expect. The lake has a long shoreline and a lot of campgrounds that advertise waterfront access without actually delivering it. Maitland Shores Resort at 659 Port Maitland Road in Dunnville, Ontario, is different in one specific way that matters to RV campers who want real waterfront access. The resort sits directly on the north shore of Lake Erie at the mouth of the Grand River in Haldimand County. Not near the lake. Not within walking distance of the lake. On it. The Grand River runs along the western edge of the 300-acre property, Lake Erie is the southern boundary, and the resort’s private marina sits at the point where the river enters the lake. For RV campers who want to wake up on Lake Erie, fish from the dock before breakfast, and spend evenings watching the sun drop over the water, the location at Port Maitland delivers exactly that. The resort is approximately 90 minutes southwest of Toronto, 45 minutes from Hamilton, and 60 minutes from Cambridge, which makes it one of the most accessible genuine waterfront campgrounds in southern Ontario for the majority of the province’s population. The 2025 season runs April 15 through October 31. Full-hookup seasonal sites, weekend RV sites, cabin rentals, and glamping accommodations are all available. If you are looking for a Lake Erie RV park in Ontario with real waterfront access, a private marina, on-site fishing, ATV trails, and a full season of activities, this post covers everything you need to know about Maitland Shores Resort before you book.
Waterfront Camping on Lake Erie — What Makes Maitland Shores Different
The phrase waterfront camping gets used loosely by a lot of campgrounds in Ontario. It can mean a campsite with a lake view from across a field, a resort near a body of water with public beach access nearby, or a genuinely waterfront property where your RV site is close enough to the water to hear the waves. Maitland Shores Resort falls into the last category. Lake Erie bounds the property to the south and the Grand River to the west, which means there are water boundaries on two sides of the resort. Waterfront and river-view RV sites are positioned directly facing the water, not backed up against an interior road with a lake visible in the distance. For RV campers who have been burned by campgrounds advertising waterfront and delivering something short of that, the distinction is worth understanding before booking. The resort has over 220 seasonal RV sites organized across multiple sections. The waterfront and river-view sections are the premium positions on the property and fill earliest each year. If a waterfront site is a priority, reaching out early in the season before April 15 is essential to securing the right position.
Direct Lake Erie and Grand River Access
The combination of Lake Erie and the Grand River accessible from one property is genuinely unusual for a private campground in southern Ontario. Lake Erie is one of the most productive walleye and yellow perch fisheries in all of Ontario, with the western basin near Port Maitland producing consistent results for anglers throughout the season. The Grand River at the mouth in Port Maitland is a recognized walleye and pike fishery in Haldimand County, with fish moving in and out of the river from the lake throughout spring, summer, and fall. Both fisheries are accessible by boat from the resort’s private marina, and shore fishing is available along both the riverbank and the Lake Erie shoreline directly on the property. The boat launch gives guests direct water access without trailering to a separate public ramp, which is a practical advantage that compounds significantly over a multi-day or seasonal stay.
300 Acres of Private Waterfront Property
The scale of the Maitland Shores property is one of its clearest advantages over smaller campgrounds on Lake Erie in Ontario. At 300 acres, there is genuine space between sites, room to move around, and quiet sections of the property that feel removed from the main activity areas. Seasonal guests in particular notice this. Many return to the same site year after year, specifically because the property never feels crowded even at full occupancy during peak summer weekends. The internal road system connects all campsite sections, the marina, the trails, and the main amenity facilities across the property without requiring guests to leave the resort for anything. For families doing a full summer season, that self-contained quality means convenience that single-site campgrounds with limited amenities cannot match.
RV Sites and Camping Options at Maitland Shores
Full-Hookup Seasonal RV Sites
Seasonal RV sites at Maitland Shores include water, sewer, and 30/50 amp electric connections with individually metered hydro. Four lot sizes are available, ranging from 24ft x 80ft at $5,000 plus hydro per season to 37ft x 100ft waterfront positions at $9,000 plus hydro. All seasonal sites include a private fire pit, free winter storage for the RV unit, and access to all resort amenities throughout the camping season. Up to eight family members per day are included at no additional charge. Seasonal sites fill well before the April 15 season opening each year, particularly waterfront and larger lot positions. Contact the resort directly by phone or email to confirm current seasonal availability.
Weekend and Short-Stay Camping
Short-stay and weekend RV site bookings are available through Campspot online. Pull-through site options accommodate larger motorhomes and fifth wheels without difficult maneuvering. Washroom and shower facilities, laundry, the heated saltwater pool, and all resort amenities are accessible to short-stay guests throughout their visit. Weekend bookings during July and August fill quickly, and booking four to six weeks in advance is recommended for summer weekends at the resort.
Cabins and Glamping on Lake Erie
For guests who want the Lake Erie waterfront setting without the RV setup, cabin rentals and glamping accommodations are available at Maitland Shores. Cabins are clean, comfortable, and ready on arrival with no setup required. Glamping accommodations offer elevated outdoor lodging with a real bed, climate comfort, and waterfront views. Both options include access to all resort amenities. Cabins are popular with families who want low-effort camping, and glamping spots are a consistent choice for couples looking for a waterfront weekend without the gear. Both options book up quickly for peak summer weekends.
Activities at Maitland Shores Resort
Walleye and Perch Fishing on Lake Erie
Lake Erie fishing is one of the primary reasons guests choose Maitland Shores Resort as their base on the lake. Walleye are the main draw, with the western basin near Port Maitland producing fish throughout the season using trolling, jigging, and live bait presentations. Yellow perch are abundant and active through summer, making them a practical family fishing option for guests who want consistent action without needing to go far offshore. Smallmouth bass fishing along the rocky shoreline sections near the resort is also productive through July and August. Shore fishing is available along the Grand River bank and Lake Erie shoreline on the resort property. Boat fishing via the private marina launch opens up significantly more productive water. A valid Ontario fishing licence is required for all anglers.
Private Marina and Boat Launch
The Maitland Shores marina on the Grand River provides a private boat launch for resort guests with direct access to the river and Lake Erie. The launch accommodates fishing boats, bass boats, pontoon boats, pleasure crafts, and personal watercraft, including Sea-Doos. Pull-through RV sites accommodate truck-and-trailer combinations for guests who trailer boats to the resort. Trailer parking is available on-site once the boat is launched. Seasonal dock rentals are also available for guests who want to keep their boat at the marina throughout the camping season.
ATV Trails and Off-Road Riding
Maitland Shores is one of the few RV parks on Lake Erie in Ontario with on-site ATV and dirt bike trail access. The trail system winds through the 300-acre property with open field sections and more varied bush terrain, suitable for beginner and experienced riders. Trails start on the property, which means no trailering to a separate location. For ATV campers doing multi-day trips, riding directly from the campsite makes a meaningful difference in how much time is spent riding versus driving. All riders must comply with Ontario off-road vehicle regulations and posted trail rules on the property.
Resort Amenities and Facilities
Heated Saltwater Pool
The heated saltwater pool at Maitland Shores is open throughout the camping season from April 15 through October 31. It is a private resort facility available exclusively to guests and their families, which means none of the public pool crowding that comes with municipal or shared facilities. For families with young kids, the pool provides a reliable swimming option on days when Lake Erie conditions are not ideal for open water swimming. Pool hours are posted on-site at the resort.
Recreation Halls and Family Events
Two recreation halls and a full banquet hall are available at Maitland Shores for organized resort events and private functions. Throughout the camping season, the resort organizes live music potluck nights, fireworks evenings on the waterfront, wagon rides, volleyball and basketball tournaments, and community events. The banquet and recreation halls are also available for private rental for weddings, birthday parties, corporate events, and family reunions. A children’s playground, horseshoe pits, volleyball and basketball courts, and picnic areas are available across the property for daily use.
Location — How Far is Maitland Shores from Major Cities in Ontario?
One of the most common things first-time guests say when they arrive at Maitland Shores is that they had no idea the resort was this close. The address is 659 Port Maitland Road, Dunnville, Ontario N1A 2W6, in Haldimand County at the mouth of the Grand River on Lake Erie. Here is how far the resort is from the major cities that send the most guests each season:
Toronto: Approximately 90 minutes southwest
Hamilton: Approximately 45 minutes south
Cambridge: Approximately 60 minutes south
Brantford: Approximately 40 minutes south
Niagara region: Approximately 75 minutes west
Kitchener: Approximately 70 minutes south
For most of southern Ontario’s population, the resort is well within a comfortable Friday evening drive. You can leave work, stop for dinner, and arrive at Maitland Shores before dark with a full two days of camping, fishing, riding, or simply sitting by Lake Erie ahead of you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is Maitland Shores Resort?
The resort is at 659 Port Maitland Road, Dunnville, Ontario N1A 2W6 in Haldimand County. It sits at the mouth of the Grand River on the north shore of Lake Erie, approximately 90 minutes southwest of Toronto and 45 minutes from Hamilton.
Do you have full hookup RV sites?
Yes. All seasonal RV sites include water, sewer, and 30/50 amp electric connections with individually metered hydro. Four lot sizes are available. Contact us directly for current seasonal availability and pricing.
Can I fish from the resort?
Yes. Shore fishing is available along the Grand River bank and Lake Erie shoreline on the property. The private marina provides boat launch access to both the Grand River and Lake Erie. A valid Ontario fishing licence is required for all anglers.
When is the resort open?
The camping season at Maitland Shores runs from April 15 through October 31. Office hours are 10am to 4pm daily during the season.
How do I book a site?
Short-stay and weekend bookings are available online through Campspot. Seasonal site bookings must be made directly by phone at (647) 212-1234 or by email at info@rvparkontario.com.
Plan Your Lake Erie Camping Trip
Maitland Shores Resort on Lake Erie near Dunnville, Ontario, gives RV campers in southern Ontario a genuinely waterfront base with full hookup sites, a private marina, on-site fishing, ATV trails, a heated pool, and a full season of resort activities from April 15 through October 31. Whether you are planning a weekend trip or a full seasonal stay, the resort has the site type and the location to make it work.
(647) 212-1234 info@rvparkontario.com 659 Port Maitland Road, Dunnville, Ontario N1A 2W6
Book online via Campspot or contact us directly for seasonal site availability.
Conclusion
Maitland Shores Resort is one of the few genuinely waterfront RV parks on Lake Erie in Ontario, where camping, fishing, boating, and riding all happen on the same 300-acre property near Dunnville. If you have been searching for a Lake Erie campground that actually delivers on waterfront access and has real amenities to back it up, this is the one worth booking. The season opens April 15, and the best sites fill before most people start planning their summer. Get in touch early and get your spot confirmed.