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LEECH LAKE REC AREA

federal · FEDERAL DAM, MN

  • fuel station7.0 mi

Shawn Weissenfluh · Data Source: Recreation.gov

About

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.

Around this stay

Nearest surrounding services and recreation within ~25 mi — not on-site amenities.

  • fuel station

    Big Winnie General Store

    7.0 mi
  • grocery

    Tabaka's Family Food

    18 mi
  • potable water

    Potable water

    19 mi
  • trailhead

    North Country Trail Highway 84 Trailhead

    14 mi
  • recreation site

    Boat launch

    0.2 mi

No dump station found within ~25 mi. Plan dump access before you arrive.

Contact & access

  • 01217 FEDERAL DAM DR. NE · FEDERAL DAM, MN 56641
  • 218-654-3145

Reservations & demand

October weekends are typically reserved about 6 days ahead.

Based on 26 Recreation.gov reservations (Oct 2023–Sep 2024). Historical demand — not live availability.

Source and verification

Last verified: 10/11/2026

See the Sources tab for provenance detail.