Minnesota / Cass County / Federal Dam

Leech Lake Rec Area

Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates from mid-May through mid-October. Reservations available through Recreation.gov up to six months in advance.

About

Leech Lake Recreation Area is operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and sits along the Leech Lake River in Federal Dam, Minnesota, within the heart of the Chippewa National Forest. The campground offers 73 wooded sites with electric hookups, including eight sites with full hookups (water, electric, and sewer), plus four primitive walk-to tent sites. Modern amenities include flush toilets, showers, drinking water, laundry facilities, a dump station, and multiple boat ramps with overnight mooring. The area is renowned for its fishing access to Portage Bay on Leech Lake, one of Minnesota's premier fisheries. Anglers target walleye, perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, and musky, with trophy fish common. Leech Lake features 316 miles of shoreline encompassing 14 natural lakes. The surrounding mixed forest of elm, ash, maple, basswood, birch, aspen, and pine provides habitat for abundant wildlife, including loons whose calls echo across the water. Recreation facilities include basketball, volleyball, badminton, and shuffleboard courts, horseshoe pits, and playground areas. A group picnic shelter with electricity is available by reservation, along with two mini-picnic shelters. Miles of scenic hiking trails connect to the Soo Line, Heartland, and North Country National Scenic Trails. Reservations are available up to six months in advance through Recreation.gov.

Directions

From Grand Rapids, take Highway 2 west for 33 miles to Bena. Turn south onto County Road 8 and proceed 8 miles to Federal Dam. From Bemidji, take Highway 2 east for 35 miles to Bena, turn south onto County Road 8 and proceed 8 miles to Federal Dam. From Walker, take Highway 200 east for 20 miles to County Road 8, turn north onto County Road 8 and proceed 14 miles to Federal Dam.

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