Filming ATV Rides - Your Complete Guide To Mounts, Angles, And Trail

You know the feeling. You just conquered the gnarliest mud pit of the season, a perfect mix of skill and throttle that your buddies will be talking about for weeks. You get home, eager to relive the glory, and pull up the footage from your action camera. But instead of an epic, mud-slinging spectacle, you’re met with a shaky, over-exposed video with audio that sounds like a hurricane in a wind tunnel. The moment is lost in a digital mess.

It’s a frustratingly common story. But what if you could capture footage that actually does justice to your adventures? What if your videos could transport you, and anyone you share them with, right back to the thrill of that ride? Getting great results from filming ATV rides is about more than just strapping on a camera and hitting record.

It’s about choosing the right gear, understanding the best angles, and knowing a few pro tricks to make your footage pop. You don’t need a Hollywood budget, just the right know-how.

In this complete guide, we’re tearing down the process from start to finish. We’ll cover the essential gear, the camera settings that work in the real world, how to avoid common mistakes, and even how to be a responsible filmmaker on the trail. Let’s get your footage looking as awesome as your ride feels.

Why Bother Filming Your ATV Rides? The Payoff is Bigger Than You Think

You might wonder if all the effort is worth it. Absolutely. The benefits of filming ATV rides go far beyond just having a cool video to post online. It’s about creating a tangible record of your experiences.

Here’s why you should consider mounting a camera before your next trip:

Relive the Adventure: A well-shot video is the closest thing to a time machine. It lets you re-experience the adrenaline rush, the stunning scenery, and the laughs with your crew long after the mud has been washed off.
Share Your Passion: It’s one thing to tell your friends and family about your trip; it’s another to show them. A dynamic video can share the excitement with people who couldn’t be there.
Improve Your Riding: Watching your own footage is one of the best ways to analyze your technique. You can see your lines through corners, how you handle obstacles, and where you can improve your body positioning for better control.
Document Your Build: For those of us who love tinkering, filming is a great way to document your ATV’s progression. Capture before-and-after footage of that new lift kit, exhaust, or tire setup in action.

Gearing Up: The Essential Camera Kit for Filming ATV Rides

Your smartphone camera isn’t going to cut it here. Off-roading demands gear that’s tough, versatile, and built for vibration and the elements. This is the foundation of any good filming ATV rides guide.

Choosing Your Weapon: Action Cameras vs. Drones

Your primary tool will be an action camera. Brands like GoPro, DJI, and Insta360 dominate this space for a reason. Look for a model with excellent image stabilization (like GoPro’s HyperSmooth or DJI’s RockSteady), as this is non-negotiable for smoothing out bumpy trail footage.

Drones offer a breathtaking, cinematic perspective that you just can’t get from a mounted camera. They are fantastic for capturing sweeping landscape shots and following your group through open terrain. However, they require more skill to operate safely and are more vulnerable to branches and weather.

Mount Up! The Best Mounts for Every Angle

A great camera with a bad mount will give you bad footage. The mount is what connects your camera to the action, and stability is key. Here are the must-have mounts:

The Helmet Mount: This is the most popular and versatile mount. It provides a true Point-of-View (POV) shot that immerses the viewer in the ride. It’s dynamic because it follows where you look, capturing the action naturally.
The Chest Mount: A “chesty” offers a lower perspective that includes your handlebars and arms, giving a great sense of control and speed. It’s more stable than a helmet mount but less dynamic.
The Handlebar/Grab Bar Mount: Mounting to the ATV itself gives a fixed, stable shot. A forward-facing handlebar mount is great for trail views, while a rear-facing grab bar mount is perfect for capturing your buddies riding behind you.
The Chassis/Suspension Mount: For a truly unique angle, try mounting the camera low on the frame or near the suspension components. This gives a gritty, mechanical view of the terrain and the machine at work. Use a strong clamp-style mount for this.

Beyond the Camera: Essential Accessories

A few small additions can make a huge difference in your final product.

Extra Batteries & Power Bank: Video recording chews through batteries. Always carry at least two spares and a portable power bank to recharge during breaks.
Protective Housing: Even if your camera is “waterproof,” a dedicated housing adds an extra layer of protection against mud, rocks, and hard impacts.
ND Filters: Neutral Density (ND) filters are like sunglasses for your camera. On bright, sunny days, they help reduce excessive light, prevent blown-out skies, and allow for more natural motion blur, making your footage look more cinematic.
External Microphone: The built-in mic on most action cameras is terrible at handling wind noise. An external mic with a foam “windslayer” or “dead cat” cover is the best way to capture engine sounds without the deafening roar of the wind.

Mastering the Shot: A Filming ATV Rides Guide to Pro-Level Footage

Having the right gear is half the battle. Now you need to know how to filming ATV rides effectively. Following these filming ATV rides best practices will elevate your footage from amateur to awesome.

Camera Settings That Actually Work on the Trail

Don’t just use the default settings. Dial them in for success.

Resolution & Frame Rate: Film in at least 1080p, but 4K is better if your computer can handle editing it. The most important setting is frame rate. Shoot at 60 frames per second (fps). This provides smooth playback and gives you the option to create clean slow-motion effects.
Image Stabilization: Turn this on and set it to its highest level (e.g., “Boost”). This is the single most important setting for usable off-road footage.
Field of View (FOV): Use a wide field of view (like GoPro’s “SuperView” or “Wide”) to capture the scale of the environment and create a sense of speed. Avoid narrower fields of view, which can feel claustrophobic and exaggerate shakiness.

Vary Your Angles for a Dynamic Story

A video shot entirely from one angle (like a helmet cam) gets boring fast. The secret to a compelling video is to tell a story by mixing up your shots. If you have multiple cameras, mount them in different spots. If you only have one, stop periodically and move it to a new location for a few minutes.

Think like a movie director. Get a wide shot showing the landscape, a POV shot from the helmet, a low-angle shot of the tires hitting a puddle, and a shot of your friend’s reaction behind you. This variety is what keeps viewers engaged.

The Secret to Clear Audio

As mentioned, wind noise is the enemy. If an external mic isn’t an option, try placing a small piece of foam tape over the camera’s microphone port. It’s a cheap DIY trick that can drastically reduce wind noise and let the glorious sound of your engine come through.

Common Problems with Filming ATV rides (And How to Fix Them)

Even with the best intentions, things can go wrong. Here are some of the most common problems with filming ATV rides and how to solve them.

Tackling the Dreaded “Jello” Effect (Vibration)

High-frequency vibrations from the engine and terrain can cause a wobbly, distorted look in your video. The best fix is a combination of top-tier electronic image stabilization and a quality mount. Ensure your mount is tightened down completely. For chassis mounts, consider a rubber-dampened mount to absorb some of the buzz.

Beating Battery Drain in the Middle of Nowhere

Cold weather kills batteries even faster. Keep your spare batteries in an inside pocket of your jacket, close to your body heat. Turn off features you aren’t using, like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and the rear screen, to conserve power.

Protecting Your Gear from Mud, Water, and Dust

This is where a good filming ATV rides care guide comes into play. Always use a protective housing. After a muddy ride, rinse the camera (in its housing!) with clean water before opening it. Use a soft cloth and a lens pen to clean the lens itself. Check your seals regularly for any dirt or debris that could compromise their integrity.

Ride Right, Film Right: Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Filming Practices

Being a good filmmaker is also about being a good steward of the trails we love. Incorporating sustainable filming ATV rides practices is crucial for our community and the environment.

These eco-friendly filming ATV rides tips are simple but important:

Stay on the Trail: Never go off-trail or create a new path just to “get the shot.” The best videos come from showcasing your skill on the designated route.
Respect Wildlife: Don’t chase or harass animals for a cool clip. If you encounter wildlife, give them space or slowly back away. Your video isn’t worth stressing an animal.
Pack It In, Pack It Out: This includes your gear. If a mount breaks or you drop a screw, make every effort to find it and pack it out. Leaving behind plastic and metal garbage is not what responsible riders do.
Be Courteous: If you stop to set up a shot, pull over to a safe spot that doesn’t block the trail for other riders. Give a friendly wave and let them know what you’re doing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Filming ATV Rides

What is the best action camera for ATVs?

While “best” is subjective, the GoPro HERO series, DJI Osmo Action series, and Insta360 cameras are top contenders. Prioritize the model with the best electronic image stabilization you can afford, as this will have the biggest impact on your video quality.

How do I stop wind noise in my ATV videos?

The most effective solution is an external microphone with a foam or furry windscreen. If that’s not possible, placing the camera in a location shielded from direct wind (like behind the front fairing) can help. The DIY foam tape trick over the built-in mic port also works surprisingly well.

What’s the best single camera mount if I can only buy one?

The helmet mount. It provides the most immersive and dynamic point-of-view, capturing where you’re looking and giving the viewer a true sense of being on the ride. It’s the most versatile starting point for any aspiring ATV filmmaker.

With that, you’re armed with the knowledge to go beyond simply recording your rides and start truly capturing them. It takes a little practice, but the reward—amazing videos that bottle the thrill of the trail—is more than worth it.

Now grab your gear, double-check your mounts, and hit the trails. Ride safe, and happy filming!

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Thomas Corle

Founder & Automobile expert at FatBoysOffroad

Automobile expert and off-road enthusiast, sharing in-depth knowledge of vehicles, gear, and adventures. Helping readers make smart decisions and enjoy the thrill of off-roading safely and confidently.