50 years ago most states required motorcycle helmets, it wasn't until the mid-late 70s that some states repealed those laws. My state still doesn't require seatbelts if you're over 18. IMHO, you're stupid if you don't use both.
As far as the rest of the stuff you mentioned, most of it got restricted because a few ruined it for everyone else...ATV riders who'd tear up the terrain, irresponsible dog owners who'd let it run free and harass wildlife, crap everywhere, etc., "wilderness" campers who'd leave all their trash behind (and maybe a smoldering campfire), boaters who'd transfer invasive species because they were too lazy to wash off their boat. The list goes on. If people had been more respectful maybe a lot of these restrictions wouldn't have needed to be imposed.