Leech Lake Rec Area

Show on map218-654-3145
01217 FEDERAL DAM DR. NE
FEDERAL DAM, MN 56641

Overview

Leech Lake Recreation Area is located in the heart of the Chippewa National Forest in Federal Dam, Minnesota on the Leech Lake River. The area is best known for its fishing and boat access to Portage Bay on Leech Lake, a famous perch, walleye and musky fishery.

Recreation

Boating, canoeing and fishing are very popular activities. Anglers will find walleye, perch, bass, northern pike and musky, where every cast has the potential to yield a trophy. Miles of scenic hiking trails meander around Leech Lake, including the Soo Line, Heartland and North Country National Scenic Trails.

Facilities

This campground offers 73 wooded sites with electric hookups, including eight sites with full hookups. Additionally, there are four primitive walk-to tent sites. A group day-use picnic shelter with electric is available, as well as two mini-picnic shelters.

Amenities include flush toilets, showers, drinking water, laundry facilities, a dump station, boat ramps and overnight boat mooring.

Campers enjoy the park's basketball, volleyball, badminton and shuffleboard courts, as well as the horseshoe pits. Younger campers love the playground areas.

Natural Features

Leech Lake has 316 miles of shoreline and encompasses 14 natural lakes. A mixed forest of elm, ash, maple, basswood, birch, aspen and pine covers the area. Wildlife is abundant around the lake, where campers commonly hear the tell-tale call of loons out on the water.

Charges & Cancellations

Customers may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. If a customer wants to switch dates that are entirely outside of the original reservation dates, there is a $10 change fee.

Camp site features

Across 77 camp sites:

  • Electric hookups: 73 of 77 sites
  • Water hookups: 8 of 77 sites
  • Sewer hookups: 8 of 77 sites
  • Fire pit: all 77 sites
  • Pets allowed: all 77 sites
  • ADA accessible: 2 of 77 sites
  • Longest RV: 138 ft
  • Largest party: 16 people
  • Power up to 50 amps
  • Equipment: RV, Tent, Trailer

Directions

From Grand Rapids, Minnesota, take Highway 2 west for 33 miles to Bena. Turn south onto County Road 8 and proceed 8 miles to Federal Dam. From Bemidji, Minnesota, take Highway 2 east for 35 miles to Bena, Turn south onto County Road 8 and proceed 8 miles to Federal Dam. From Walker, Minnesota, take Highway 200 east for 20 miles to County Road 8. Turn north onto County Road 8 and proceed 14 miles to Federal Dam. LEECH LAKE REC AREA 01217 FEDERAL DAM DR. NE FEDERAL DAM MN 56641

Stay Limit

Check in from 1 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

579 reviews
5 stars
422
4 stars
111
3 stars
28
2 stars
13
1 stars
5
Paul T
Loop:Leech Lake Rec Area
Site:
Reviewed 18 days ago
On the last day of the area being open and the staff were as friendly and helpful as always. Great spot.
David M
Loop:Leech Lake Rec Area
Site:
Reviewed 21 days ago
beautiful campground. Clean and well cared for
Bill B
Loop:Leech Lake Rec Area
Site:
Reviewed 21 days ago
Fall camping here was great and one of the best COE. campgrounds We have visited the REC area is huge as are the camp sites and the facilities we top notch.
Peter H
Loop:Leech Lake Rec Area
Site:
Reviewed 22 days ago
Very enjoyable
Marc S
Loop:Leech Lake Rec Area
Site:
Reviewed 22 days ago
Very well kept, bathrooms and showers very well kept and clean.
Tom H
Loop:Leech Lake Rec Area
Site:
Reviewed 22 days ago
One of the nicest campgrounds we have visited, across WI, MI and MN .
Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve

Season dates

Peak season

May 3, 2027 – Oct 14, 2027

Reservable online

Peak season

May 1, 2028 – Oct 14, 2028

Reservable online

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