Leech Lake Recreation Area

Located in the heart of the Chippewa National Forest near Federal Dam, this U.S. Army Corps of Engineers facility offers excellent boat access to the Leech Lake River and Leech Lake itself. The recreation area features three boat ramps—one providing direct access to the Leech River and two onto the main lake. A spacious parking area and on-site fish cleaning station serve paddlers and anglers. The facility is well-maintained and includes a 73-site campground with electric hookups for overnight stays.

The area is particularly popular for access to Portage Bay on Leech Lake, a renowned fishing destination. Boaters can expect good conditions for canoeing and kayaking, with opportunities to explore both the river and lake environment. The location makes it ideal for day trips or multi-day paddling adventures in this scenic northern Minnesota setting.

**Getting There:** From Grand Rapids, take Highway 2 west 33 miles to Bena, then head south on County Road 8 for 8 miles to Federal Dam. From Bemidji, take Highway 2 east 35 miles to Bena and follow the same route. For more information, contact the facility at 218-654-3145.

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...

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.

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