Camping near Mississippi River Headwaters - Leech Lake
The Leech Lake area near the Mississippi River Headwaters in northern Minnesota features several well-maintained campgrounds operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Chippewa National Forest. Leech Lake Recreation Area & Campground offers 77 sites with various hookup options, while Norway Beach and Winnie Campground provide additional camping areas with access to fishing and boating. Most campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, with select locations like Big Winnie Store RV Park & Campground also offering cabin rentals. These mixed-use campgrounds are situated within the Leech Lake Reservation and Chippewa National Forest, providing access to one of Minnesota's premier fishing lakes.
Campground availability typically runs from early May through late October, with peak season occurring during the summer months. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for electric and full hookup sites, which can be booked up to six months in advance through recreation.gov. Many campground options feature spacious, shaded sites with mature pine trees, though amenities vary between locations. While swimming opportunities are limited in some areas due to fast-moving water or zebra mussel infestations, boat launches and fishing access are abundant throughout the region. According to one visitor, "This is a great campground. The sites are huge with plenty of room between the sites. This is on the east side of leech lake back in the channel so you can't really see the lake."
Fishing for walleye is frequently mentioned as a highlight of camping in the Leech Lake area, with several campgrounds offering fish cleaning stations and boat mooring options. The area provides varied recreational opportunities beyond fishing, including hiking trails, playgrounds, and game areas for families. Campers consistently note the cleanliness of facilities, particularly at Corps of Engineers sites where shower houses, restrooms, and even free laundry facilities are well-maintained. Several visitors highlighted the ample spacing between campsites as a positive feature. One camper shared that the campgrounds have "large, nicely spaced sites with lots of mature trees," though mosquitoes can be challenging during summer months, requiring proper preparation with insect repellent. Wildlife viewing opportunities include listening to loons calling over the lake in the evenings.
