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

Whereas the identify Ofland Escalante is likely to be new to vacationers’ ears, if you happen to 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 aim of serving to visitors join with the good outdoor. With talks of rising and opening extra Ofland websites across the nation, they thought there was no higher time for this modification than now, as they trace at thrilling bulletins.

Visitors 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’ll be able to 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 an extended hike. What set Ofland aside for me went past the cabins and even the facilities (which had been plentiful). Ofland creates a communal house to fulfill different campers and visitors.

I arrived very late, however the employees was only a name away to examine me in. The particular person on the entrance desk was by some means 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 out of doors lodge to gasoline up with complimentary espresso and selfmade Rice Krispie treats. Upon returning to camp after an extended day within the close by slot canyons, I discovered a relaxed and welcoming gathering place across the communal fireplace pits. A number of pleasant canine got here to say good day, 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 scorching tub, I introduced a small transportable speaker and chatted with different visitors about music and hikes.

The perfect factor about Ofland is that it combines the perfect of tenting and accommodations. You possibly can have all the luxurious of a lodge room (if you need it!) with all of the neighborhood you sometimes discover at campgrounds.

To study extra about what Ofland provides, learn my full evaluate beneath.

The Rooms

Ofland provides 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 individuals, 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 worry; these are spa-level showers and facilities. The very giant out of doors showers embody luxurious toiletries and towels and are spotless. There are additionally indoor showers situated close to the primary lodge.

The most recent addition to Ofland, the place I stayed throughout my go to, is the Deluxe Cabins. These cabins can sleep 4 individuals with a queen mattress and a queen sleeper couch. They embody wifi, a porch, a non-public parking house, a kitchen space, and a non-public lavatory and out of doors bathe. The toilet has the identical degree of upscale toiletries because the shared bogs, simply extra privateness. The out of doors 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. In addition they offered espresso and tea, which helped us prepare for our early morning hikes. Whereas I obtained 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 offered all the luxurious of a lodge room with the perfect components 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 huge aspect of half fries and half tots — it was good after an extended day of mountain climbing.

However visitors who need to absolutely maximize the amenities may 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 all the things you possibly can have to prepare dinner over your campsite’s fireplace pit, from oven mitts to utensils and even s’mores for desert. There are additionally a number of grills across the property if you happen to’re in a rush and don’t need to await a wonderful ol’ customary 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 overall 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. A majority of these meal choices took the stress off of camp cooking. There was no have to pack coolers crammed with provides or fear about burning one thing over the hearth, and better of all, we might eat what we had 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 good attain, and the employees was more than pleased to inform us what was price our time and what wasn’t. (The web site additionally lists employees’s favourite hikes, excursions, and corporations to work with.)

Nonetheless, Ofland’s on-site facilities shine as properly. A pool and scorching tub are good for enjoyable and recovering from difficult hikes, whereas an outside lodge has fireplace pits, ample seating, and complimentary espresso and baked items every day. Connected to the lodge is the beforehand talked about common retailer the place you should buy snacks, provides, and merch. There are additionally laundry amenities on the property so visitors can pack mild, and pets are welcome at no further cost.

Undoubtedly, essentially the most spectacular exercise Ofland provides is the classic drive-in theater. A scenic subject with a powerful daytime view is crammed with classic automobiles — every outfitted with a practical radio and a heater for colder nights. Visitors can choose their favourite automotive and watch basic motion pictures each evening of the week. A classic Airstream is outfitted to supply free popcorn and different basic film snacks for buy. I watched “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” for the primary time and was capable of alter the quantity and warmth degree whereas indulging in all of the free popcorn I wished.

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 eradicate single-use plastic and is working to supply snacks, meals, and provides from native distributors each time attainable. One distinctive venture 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 primary present.

Location

Ofland places visitors smack-dab in the course of a few of Utah’s nice sights, however this additionally means it’s a little bit of a journey. Positioned equidistant from the Salt Lake Metropolis and Las Vegas airports, driving from both main airport takes slightly below 5 hours, so a rental automotive is extremely really helpful. Nonetheless, you’ll be on the middle 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 middle, to say nothing of the numerous different stunning 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 perfect deal.