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 five 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.
Nearby Activities
- Boating
- Camping
- Interpretive programs
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Visitor center
- Day use area
- Ranger station
- Water access
- Badminton
- Shuffle board
Gallery
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
GPS Coordinates
Latitude 47° 14′ 40.9999″ N
Longitude 94° 13′ 50.9999″ W