New Leech Lake Campground, Bena, MN

Introduction / Overview

For Minnesota families and anglers who treasure a classic, friendly "Mom & Pop" style Northwoods getaway, New Leech Lake Campground offers a perfect blend of genuine hospitality and prime lake access. Located on Portage Bay at the northern end of the magnificent Leech Lake, this destination provides a tranquil escape where the focus is on nature, relaxation, and world-class fishing. Unlike large, commercial resorts, New Leech Lake Campground prides itself on being an affordable, welcoming fishing camp, fostering a great atmosphere where both hosts and guests are noted for their friendliness and helpfulness. The campground provides a variety of lodging options, ranging from primitive tent sites to full hookup RV spots, and even unique housekeeping apartments above the main lodge, making it suitable for a wide range of local travelers. It operates year-round, catering to both summer adventurers with swimming, boating, and camping, and winter enthusiasts who enjoy ice fishing, snowmobiling, and ATVing in the vast, interconnected trail systems of the region. The setting is intentionally peaceful and quiet, a place to step back from the hustle of the city and appreciate the surrounding beauty of the Leech Lake area and the nearby Chippewa National Forest.

Location and Accessibility

New Leech Lake Campground is situated at 12962 Sunset Beach Rd NW, in the quiet community of Bena, MN 56626, USA. This location places it directly on Portage Bay, providing campers with easy, sheltered access to the vast waters of Leech Lake—Minnesota’s third-largest lake. The campground's position on the north side of the lake makes it conveniently accessible from major routes like Highway 2, which runs between Bemidji and Grand Rapids, making the drive straightforward for Minnesotans across the state. While the atmosphere is delightfully secluded, the campground is surrounded by the natural resources of the Chippewa National Forest, offering boundless opportunities for outdoor recreation. The proximity to this national forest ensures access to extensive regional trail networks for snowmobiling, ATVing, and hiking. For a quiet, lake-centric experience away from the busier tourist hubs like Walker, Bena provides the ideal backdrop. The resort’s accessibility to the water—featuring an easy-access boat launch and updated floating dock system in a protective harbor—is a key draw for local boaters and fishing enthusiasts.

Services Offered

New Leech Lake Campground offers a comprehensive suite of services and site types to accommodate diverse camping needs throughout the seasons:

Campsites: A mix of approximately 72 total sites, including spacious, full hookup RV sites (water, sewer, and electric with 30-amp and 50-amp availability), as well as primitive tenting areas.
Seasonal Sites: The campground features a number of permanent seasonal camping spots, popular with locals who want a guaranteed summer home on the lake.
Indoor Lodging: Two housekeeping apartments (sometimes referred to as lodge cabins) are available for rent above the main lodge, which feature full kitchens, private washrooms, living rooms, and color HDTVs. These units can be adjoined to form a large four-bedroom apartment for groups.
Water Access: A floating dock system in a protected harbor, along with an easy-access boat launch ramp, is available for guest use.
Utilities & Comfort: Restrooms with hot showers are provided, as are basic laundry facilities. The park also provides free WiFi access in the lodge area.
Campfire Supplies: For convenience and to prevent the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer, firewood is available for purchase on-site and is delivered directly to the campsite fire ring.
Pet Policy: Pets are welcomed in the campsites (for a daily fee) provided they are leashed, cleaned up after, and do not disturb other guests.
Lodge Amenities: The central lodge offers a gathering space with a pool table, restrooms, and vending machines, along with a selection of basic groceries for forgotten items.

Features / Highlights

The true highlights of New Leech Lake Campground center on its dedication to a focused, friendly, and nature-immersed vacation experience.

Unmatched Leech Lake Fishing: The campground is a bona fide fishing camp, boasting excellent angling opportunities right off its docks on Portage Bay. Leech Lake is famous for its large populations of walleye, muskie, northern pike, perch, and panfish.
Year-Round Operation: Unlike many seasonal campgrounds, New Leech Lake stays open year-round, serving as a critical basecamp for ice fishing in the winter and access to extensive local snowmobile and ATV trails.
Family-Focused Beach: A secluded beach area offers a safe, very gradual water entry, making it ideal for young children to play and wade, while docks allow older kids and adults access to deeper water.
Friendly and Welcoming Atmosphere: Consistent customer reviews highlight the exceptional friendliness and helpfulness of the hosts and staff, creating a genuinely warm and community-oriented environment that many Minnesotans seek in their local travel.
Tranquil, Non-Party Environment: The campground is specifically promoted as a quiet, relaxing destination, explicitly free of the noise and distractions of bars, booming music, or karaoke, ensuring a peaceful retreat for everyone.
Direct Access to Wilderness: The setting in the Leech Lake region of the Chippewa National Forest ensures campers are immediately surrounded by opportunities for wildlife watching, hiking, and exploring the Northwoods ecosystem.

Contact Information

For booking reservations, seasonal rates, or inquiries about current site availability, please use the following contact details:

Campground Name: New Leech Lake Campground

Address: 12962 Sunset Beach Rd NW, Bena, MN 56626, USA

Phone: (218) 654-3785

Mobile Phone (Direct): +1 218-654-3785

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

New Leech Lake Campground is uniquely suitable for local Minnesotans because it embodies the most sought-after qualities of a true Northwoods getaway: proximity to exceptional fishing on a major lake, year-round accessibility for all local outdoor sports, and a warm, non-commercial atmosphere. For those living in the state, this is not just a place to park an RV; it is a retreat back to a simpler, safe, and friendly community environment. The hosts foster a culture of helpfulness and relaxation, providing that coveted ‘cabin-like’ experience even for campers. Furthermore, the dedication to providing a full spectrum of camping (full hookup to primitive) alongside indoor lodge apartments makes it a flexible choice for family reunions or multi-generational trips. By offering world-class fishing right from the harbor, a safe and gradual swimming beach for the kids, and direct trail access for winter snowmobiling, New Leech Lake Campground perfectly aligns with the recreational traditions of the Minnesota traveler. It is a genuine piece of Northern Minnesota heritage—an affordable, family-focused camp that promises tranquility and immediate access to the best of Leech Lake.