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

Whereas the title Ofland Escalante is likely to be new to vacationers’ ears, in case 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 title to Ofland (that means “of the land”) to honor its objective of serving to company join with the nice outdoor. With talks of rising and opening extra Ofland websites across the nation, they thought there was no higher time for this variation 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 resort 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.

Once 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 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 satisfy different campers and company. 

I arrived very late, however the employees was only a name away to test me in. The particular person on the entrance desk was someway 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 home made 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 canines got here to say howdy, 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 moveable speaker and chatted with different company about music and hikes. 

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

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

The Rooms

Ofland provides quite a lot 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 obtainable, 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 haven’t any worry; 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 positioned 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 embrace wifi, a porch, a personal parking house, a kitchen space, and a personal lavatory and outside bathe. The toilet 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 may retailer the leftovers from our DIY meal package within the fridge and warmth them within the microwave the subsequent day. In addition they supplied espresso and tea, which helped us prepare for our early morning hikes. Whereas I received to sleep within the consolation of my very own mattress, I cherished nonetheless having a private firepit to make s’mores over at night time. The deluxe cabins supplied all the luxurious of a resort room with the most effective 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 mountain climbing.

However company who need to totally maximize the amenities may also 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 could possibly must prepare 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 in case you’re in a rush and don’t need to watch for a wonderful ol’ long-established 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 quite a lot 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. Some of these meal choices took the stress off of camp cooking. There was no must pack coolers full of provides or fear about burning one thing over the hearth, and better of all, we may 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 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 fireplace 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 company can pack mild, and pets are welcome at no additional 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 vehicles — every outfitted with a purposeful radio and a heater for colder nights. Visitors can decide 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 in a position to regulate 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 potential. 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 company 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. 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 really helpful. Nevertheless, 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.

Find out how 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 the most effective deal.