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

Whereas the title Ofland Escalante could 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 lately up to date its title to Ofland (that means “of the land”) to honor its aim of serving to friends join with the good open air. With talks of rising and opening extra Ofland websites across the nation, they thought there was no higher time for this alteration than now, as they trace at thrilling bulletins. 

Friends 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 cook dinner for your self, or on the opposite finish of the spectrum, keep within the lately opened deluxe cabins with non-public baths.

After I visited Ofland, I opted for the deluxe cabin. Whereas I 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 had been plentiful). Ofland creates a communal house to satisfy different campers and friends. 

I arrived very late, however the employees was only a name away to verify 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 provide me all of the tips on the place to hike, what to eat, and a usually 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 gas up with complimentary espresso and home made 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 fireplace pits. A number of pleasant canines got here to say hi there, and I shared a drink with a fellow visitor who gave me recommendations on the hike I deliberate to do the following day. The subsequent night, across the sizzling tub, I introduced a small moveable speaker and chatted with different friends about music and hikes. 

One of the best factor about Ofland is that it combines one of the best of tenting and motels. You possibly can have all the posh of a lodge room (in order for you it!) with all of the neighborhood you usually discover at campgrounds.

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

The Rooms

Ofland provides a wide range of lodging for each sort of customer.

Tiny cabins are the smallest providing. They sleep two and have a queen mattress, a microwave, and a mini-fridge. These additionally embrace 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 loos across the Ofland property — however haven’t any concern; these are spa-level showers and facilities. The very giant out of doors showers embrace luxurious toiletries and towels and are spotless. There are additionally indoor showers situated close to the primary lodge.

The latest 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 embrace wifi, a porch, a personal parking house, a kitchen space, and a personal lavatory and out of doors bathe. The lavatory has the identical degree of upscale toiletries because the shared loos, 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 may retailer the leftovers from our DIY meal package within the fridge and warmth them within the microwave the following day. Additionally they supplied 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 supplied all the posh of a lodge room with one of the best components about tenting.

Meals and Drink

There are fairly a couple 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 mountaineering.

However friends who need to absolutely 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, so that they’re beginner-friendly, however nonetheless assure a scrumptious meal. The kits additionally include every little thing you might have to cook dinner over your campsite’s fireplace pit, from oven mitts to utensils and even s’mores for desert. There are additionally a couple of grills across the property if you happen to’re in a rush and don’t need to await a wonderful ol’ original campfire. Whereas the kits declare to feed two, we discovered we had greater than sufficient for a 3rd portion, which we snacked on the following day.

The overall retailer sells DIY kits in addition to a wide range of snacks and grab-and-go choices like recent salads and grain bowls, together with a plethora of regionally made drinks from wine to kombucha. Most of these meal choices took the strain off of camp cooking. There was no have to pack coolers full of provides or fear about burning one thing over the fireplace, and better of all, we may eat what we had been craving that day as an alternative 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 value 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 properly. A pool and sizzling tub are excellent for enjoyable and recovering from difficult hikes, whereas an out of doors 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 purchase 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 provides is the classic drive-in theater. A scenic discipline with a formidable daytime view is full of classic automobiles — every outfitted with a practical radio and a heater for colder nights. Friends can choose their favourite automobile and watch basic films each evening of the week. A classic Airstream is outfitted to offer free popcorn and different basic film snacks for buy. I watched “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” for the primary time and was in a position to regulate 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 applied 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 at any time when doable. One distinctive mission was Ofland’s collaboration with native indigenous tribes to create a movie concerning 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 friends 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 just below 5 hours, so a rental automobile is very beneficial. 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 impartial, so whereas it isn’t a part of any loyalty program, it does have a reserving calendar on its web site that means that you can seek for one of the best deal.