Southern Utah is an outdoor lover’s paradise. But, the red rocks, desert landscape, and national and state parks draw quite the crowd, and sometimes, you just want to get away from all of the people. Fortunately, when you want peace and quiet, to surround yourself with Utah’s natural beauty, and to spend the night under the stars there is still one place to go — Posey Lake and campground. This hidden lake and campground is located high on the Colorado Plateau and is one place not many out-of-state guests know about. In fact, it is one of the least touristy places in southern Utah.

You’ll find Posey Lake not far from the small town of Escalante. This lake sits approximately 8,800 feet in elevation, so you’ll have a bit of a climb to reach it.

Posey Lake in Utah is not large but it’s quiet and perfect for canoeing, fishing, and even observing wildlife who come to enjoy the water.

Please note that motorized boating is not allowed at Posey Lake. However, there is a boat ramp and two docks, making it easy to put your canoe, raft, or kayak in the water.

While you can always enjoy a day next to the water, how about some time admiring the water from above? If you are up for a challenge, hike the Posey Lake Overlook Trail, a 1.4-mile out-and-back trail that takes you to a small overlook. You’ll not only see the lake down below, but on a clear day, you’ll be able to see for miles.

While the lake may be small, you’ll definitely want to stay for a while. Posey Lake Campground is located right next to the lake and is beautiful in every way.

There are 21 campsites at this campground, including one large group site. These campsites offer many common amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and bear boxes. There is also drinking water available from Memorial Day to Labor Day each year.

The higher elevation does make this campground a little cooler and a large number of trees provide ample shade. The combination of the two can make your entire camping experience truly comfortable and delightful in so many ways.

This is a seasonal campground that is open between May to September each year. While it is tucked away and not nearly as busy as many campgrounds in southern Utah, we still recommend making a reservation to ensure you receive the campsite you desire. Some single sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

With a lake, hiking trails, and campsites, Posey Lake and campground are truly hidden gems in southern Utah. Get away from the crowds, enjoy the quiet, and feel tucked away from the world at this hidden lake and campground in Utah.

You can learn more about this lake and campground on the Forest Service website. Have you ever been to Posey Lake? Did you stay at the Posey Lake Campground? What are some of your favorite lakes in Utah? We’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments!

If you are searching for another lesser-known destination in southern Utah, check out the Escalante Petrified Forest State Park. This is a lesser-known state park in Utah that certainly deserves your attention.