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

Whereas the identify Ofland Escalante may be new to vacationers’ ears, for those who 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 objective of serving to friends join with the nice outside. 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. 

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 non-public baths.

Once 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 comfortable 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 have been ample). Ofland creates a communal house to fulfill different campers and friends. 

I arrived very late, however the employees was only a name away to examine me in. The particular person on the entrance desk was someway extra excited than I used to be and couldn’t wait to offer me all of the recommendations 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 gas 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 hearth pits. A number of pleasant canines got here to say hey, and I shared a drink with a fellow visitor who gave me tips about the hike I deliberate to do the subsequent day. The following night, across the scorching tub, I introduced a small transportable speaker and chatted with different friends about music and hikes. 

The perfect factor about Ofland is that it combines the most effective of tenting and accommodations. You may have all the luxurious of a lodge room (in order for you it!) with all of the group you sometimes discover at campgrounds.

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

The Rooms

Ofland gives 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 accessible, 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 outside showers embrace 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 folks with a queen mattress and a queen sleeper couch. They embrace wifi, a porch, a non-public parking house, a kitchen space, and a non-public toilet and outside bathe. The toilet has the identical stage of upscale toiletries because the shared loos, 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. In addition they offered 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 night time. The deluxe cabins offered all the luxurious of a lodge room with the most effective 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 large aspect of half fries and half tots — it was good after an extended day of mountaineering.

However friends who need to absolutely maximize the amenities also can 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 all the pieces you would 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 for those who’re in a rush and don’t need to look forward to a superb ol’ usual 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 recent salads and grain bowls, together with a plethora of domestically made drinks from wine to kombucha. All these meal choices took the stress off of camp cooking. There was no must pack coolers stuffed with provides or fear about burning one thing over the hearth, 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 good 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 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 out of doors lodge has hearth pits, ample seating, and complimentary espresso and baked items each day. Hooked up to the lodge is the beforehand talked about basic retailer the place you should purchase snacks, provides, and merch. There are additionally laundry amenities on the property so friends can pack mild, and pets are welcome at no additional cost.

Undoubtedly, probably the most spectacular exercise Ofland gives is the classic drive-in theater. A scenic area with a powerful daytime view is stuffed with classic vehicles — every outfitted with a practical radio and a heater for colder nights. Visitors can decide their favourite automotive and watch basic motion pictures each night time 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 modify the quantity 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 applied tasks to extend the park’s sustainability. It plans to remove single-use plastic and is working to supply snacks, meals, and provides from native distributors every time attainable. One distinctive challenge 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 night time 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 automotive is extremely really useful. 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.

Learn how to Get the Most Worth Out of Your Keep

Ofland Escalante is impartial, so whereas it’s not a part of any loyalty program, it does have a reserving calendar on its web site that lets you seek for the most effective deal.