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

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

Previously Yonder Escalante, the model just lately up to date its identify to Ofland (that means “of the land”) to honor its purpose of serving to visitors 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 modification than now, as they trace at thrilling bulletins. 

Visitors staying at Ofland can select exactly how a lot they wish to tough it, from full tenting to glamping in cabins resembling conventional lodge rooms. At conventional campsites, you may arrange a tent and cook dinner for your self, or on the opposite finish of the spectrum, keep within the just lately 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 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 considerable). Ofland creates a communal area to satisfy different campers and visitors. 

I arrived very late, however the employees was only a name away to examine me in. The individual on the entrance desk was someway extra excited than I used to be and couldn’t wait to provide 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 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 hearth pits. A number of pleasant canine got here to say hiya, 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 visitors about music and hikes. 

One of the best factor about Ofland is that it combines one of the best of tenting and motels. You’ll be able to have all the luxurious of a lodge room (if you would like it!) with all of the neighborhood you usually discover at campgrounds.

To be taught extra about what Ofland provides, learn my full evaluation beneath. 

The Rooms

Ofland provides quite a lot 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 obtainable, sleeping as much as three individuals, 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 worry; these are spa-level showers and facilities. The very massive out of doors showers embody 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 individuals with a queen mattress and a queen sleeper couch. They embody wifi, a porch, a non-public parking area, a kitchen space, and a non-public 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 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 night time. The deluxe cabins supplied all the luxurious of a lodge room with one of the best elements 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 facet of half fries and half tots — it was good after an extended day of mountaineering.

However visitors who wish to totally maximize the amenities may purchase DIY meal kits that allow you to combine and match proteins with sides. The dishes come pre-seasoned and principally ready, so that they’re beginner-friendly, however nonetheless assure a scrumptious meal. The kits additionally include the whole lot you may have to cook dinner over your campsite’s hearth pit, from oven mitts to utensils and even s’mores for desert. There are additionally a couple of grills across the property when you’re in a rush and don’t wish to watch for a superb 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 overall retailer sells DIY kits in addition to quite a lot 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. These kinds of meal choices took the strain off of camp cooking. There was no have to pack coolers crammed with provides or fear about burning one thing over the fireplace, and better of all, we may eat what we have 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 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 firms to work with.) 

Nevertheless, 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 hearth pits, ample seating, and complimentary espresso and baked items each 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 additional cost.

Undoubtedly, probably the most spectacular exercise Ofland provides is the classic drive-in theater. A scenic discipline with a formidable daytime view is crammed with classic automobiles — every outfitted with a purposeful radio and a heater for colder nights. Visitors can choose their favourite automobile and watch traditional films each night time 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 capable of regulate the amount 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 initiatives 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 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 night time 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 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 automobile is very beneficial. Nevertheless, 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.

The way to Get the Most Worth Out of Your Keep

Ofland Escalante is unbiased, 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 one of the best deal.