This Utah “Glampground” Is Residence to a Classic Drive-in Theater and Luxurious Cabins

Whereas the identify Ofland Escalante could be new to vacationers’ ears, when you frequent Utah’s Escalante space, the property itself will not be.

Previously Yonder Escalante, the model not too long ago up to date its identify to Ofland (which means “of the land”) to honor its purpose of serving to friends join with the nice open air. With talks of rising and opening extra Ofland websites across the nation, they thought there was no higher time for this transformation than now, as they trace at thrilling bulletins. 

Company staying at Ofland can select exactly how a lot they need to tough it, from full tenting to glamping in cabins resembling conventional lodge rooms. At conventional campsites, you possibly can arrange a tent and prepare dinner for your self, or on the opposite finish of the spectrum, keep within the not too long ago opened deluxe cabins with personal baths.

After I visited Ofland, I opted for the deluxe cabin. Whereas I really like the outside and exploring our nice nationwide parks, I additionally love a snug mattress and personal room to veg out in after a protracted hike. What set Ofland aside for me went past the cabins and even the facilities (which have been considerable). Ofland creates a communal area to fulfill different campers and friends. 

I arrived very late, however the employees was only a name away to verify me in. The individual on the entrance desk was one way or the other extra excited than I used to be and couldn’t wait to present me all of the tips on the place to hike, what to eat, and a typically heat welcome.

When morning got here, I booted up for my first hike however was inspired to cease by the outside lodge to gasoline up with complimentary espresso and do-it-yourself Rice Krispie treats. Upon returning to camp after a protracted day within the close by slot canyons, I discovered a relaxed and welcoming gathering place across the communal hearth pits. A number of pleasant canine got here to say hi there, and I shared a drink with a fellow visitor who gave me tips about the hike I deliberate to do the subsequent day. The subsequent night, across the sizzling tub, I introduced a small transportable speaker and chatted with different friends about music and hikes. 

One of the best factor about Ofland is that it combines the very best of tenting and inns. You possibly can have all the posh of a lodge room (if you would like it!) with all of the group you sometimes discover at campgrounds.

To study extra about what Ofland gives, learn my full assessment beneath. 

The Rooms

Ofland gives a wide range of lodging for each kind of customer.

Tiny cabins are the smallest providing. They sleep two and have a queen mattress, a microwave, and a mini-fridge. These additionally embody a glass wall bedside to get up with a view of nature. Classic Airstream trailers are additionally out there, sleeping as much as three folks, with a sink, prep space, and Wi-Fi. Conventional campsites at Ofland Escalante use the shared bogs across the Ofland property — however don’t have any concern; these are spa-level showers and facilities. The very massive outside showers embody luxurious toiletries and towels and are spotless. There are additionally indoor showers positioned close to the principle lodge.

The most recent addition to Ofland, the place I stayed throughout my go to, is the Deluxe Cabins. These cabins can sleep 4 folks with a queen mattress and a queen sleeper couch. They embody wifi, a porch, a personal parking area, a kitchen space, and a personal rest room and outside bathe. The lavatory has the identical stage of upscale toiletries because the shared bogs, simply extra privateness. The outside bathe even features a warmth lamp for colder days. The kitchen was such a pleasant factor as we might retailer the leftovers from our DIY meal equipment within the fridge and warmth them within the microwave the subsequent day. Additionally they supplied espresso and tea, which helped us prepare for our early morning hikes. Whereas I bought to sleep within the consolation of my very own mattress, I liked nonetheless having a private firepit to make s’mores over at evening. The deluxe cabins supplied all the posh of a lodge room with the very best elements about tenting.

Meals and Drink

There are fairly a number of choices for meals at Ofland. A meals truck is open for breakfast and dinner and serves up hefty parts of breakfast burritos, burgers, and tater tots. I had the portobello burger and the large aspect of half fries and half tots — it was excellent after a protracted day of mountain climbing.

However friends who need to totally maximize the services can even purchase DIY meal kits that allow you to combine and match proteins with sides. The dishes come pre-seasoned and largely ready, in order that they’re beginner-friendly, however nonetheless assure a scrumptious meal. The kits additionally include every thing you could possibly must prepare dinner over your campsite’s hearth pit, from oven mitts to utensils and even s’mores for desert. There are additionally a number of grills across the property when you’re in a rush and don’t need to await a wonderful ol’ common campfire. Whereas the kits declare to feed two, we discovered we had greater than sufficient for a 3rd portion, which we snacked on the subsequent day.

The final retailer sells DIY kits in addition to a wide range of snacks and grab-and-go choices like contemporary salads and grain bowls, together with a plethora of domestically made drinks from wine to kombucha. All these meal choices took the strain off of camp cooking. There was no must pack coolers full of provides or fear about burning one thing over the fireplace, and better of all, we might eat what we have been craving that day as a substitute of being restricted by typical campsite-friendly meals choices.

Actions and Experiences

Ofland’s location places many native hikes, actions, and excursions inside excellent attain, and the employees was very happy to inform us what was price our time and what wasn’t. (The web site additionally lists employees’s favourite hikes, excursions, and firms to work with.) 

Nonetheless, Ofland’s on-site facilities shine as nicely. A pool and sizzling tub are excellent for stress-free and recovering from difficult hikes, whereas an out of doors lodge has hearth pits, ample seating, and complimentary espresso and baked items every day. Hooked up to the lodge is the beforehand talked about common retailer the place you should buy snacks, provides, and merch. There are additionally laundry services on the property so friends can pack mild, and pets are welcome at no further cost.

Undoubtedly, essentially the most spectacular exercise Ofland gives is the classic drive-in theater. A scenic discipline with a formidable daytime view is full of classic vehicles — every outfitted with a useful radio and a heater for colder nights. Company can choose their favourite automotive and watch traditional motion pictures each evening of the week. A classic Airstream is outfitted to offer free popcorn and different traditional film snacks for buy. I watched “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” for the primary time and was in a position to alter the amount and warmth stage whereas indulging in all of the free popcorn I needed.

Accessibility and Sustainability

Ofland has one ADA-compliant tiny cabin, full with a roll-in bathe. 

To remain true to its new branding and being “of the land,” Ofland has carried out tasks to extend the park’s sustainability. It plans to get rid of single-use plastic and is working to supply snacks, meals, and provides from native distributors each time attainable. One distinctive undertaking was Ofland’s collaboration with native indigenous tribes to create a movie in regards to the significance and preservation of dark-sky areas just like the one Ofland is part of. This movie performs each evening on the drive-in theater earlier than the principle present. 

Location

Ofland places friends smack-dab in the midst of a few of Utah’s nice points of interest, however this additionally means it’s a little bit of a journey. Situated equidistant from the Salt Lake Metropolis and Las Vegas airports, driving from both main airport takes just below 5 hours, so a rental automotive is extremely really helpful. Nonetheless, you’ll be on the heart of the motion when you’re there.

A brief drive from Ofland will take you to 5 nationwide parks, 4 state parks, two nationwide monuments, one nationwide forest, and one nationwide recreation heart, to say nothing of the numerous different lovely hikes that aren’t a part of the parks system.

Get the Most Worth Out of Your Keep

Ofland Escalante is unbiased, so whereas it isn’t a part of any loyalty program, it does have a reserving calendar on its web site that lets you seek for the very best deal.