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

Whereas the title Ofland Escalante may 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 (which means “of the land”) to honor its purpose 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 transformation than now, as they trace at thrilling bulletins. 

Company staying at Ofland can select exactly how a lot they wish 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 lately 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 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 company. 

I arrived very late, however the workers was only a name away to test me in. The individual on the entrance desk was someway extra excited than I used to be and couldn’t wait to offer 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 do-it-yourself 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 hey, and I shared a drink with a fellow visitor who gave me tips about the hike I deliberate to do the following day. The subsequent night, across the scorching tub, I introduced a small transportable speaker and chatted with different company about music and hikes. 

The perfect factor about Ofland is that it combines one of the best of tenting and motels. You may have all the luxurious of a resort room (if you would like it!) with all of the neighborhood you usually discover at campgrounds.

To be taught extra about what Ofland presents, learn my full assessment under. 

The Rooms

Ofland presents 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 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 out of doors showers embrace luxurious toiletries and towels and are spotless. There are additionally indoor showers positioned close to the principle 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 personal parking house, a kitchen space, and a personal rest room and out of doors bathe. The toilet has the identical stage 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 offered espresso and tea, which helped us prepare for our early morning hikes. Whereas I acquired to sleep within the consolation of my very own mattress, I beloved nonetheless having a private firepit to make s’mores over at evening. The deluxe cabins offered all the luxurious of a resort room with one of the best 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 facet of half fries and half tots — it was good after an extended day of climbing.

However company who wish to totally maximize the services 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 every thing 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 wish to watch for 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 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 domestically made drinks from wine to kombucha. A lot of these meal choices took the stress 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 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 workers was very happy to inform us what was value our time and what wasn’t. (The web site additionally lists workers’s favourite hikes, excursions, and corporations to work with.) 

Nonetheless, Ofland’s on-site facilities shine as nicely. A pool and scorching tub are good for stress-free and recovering from difficult hikes, whereas an out of doors lodge has fireplace pits, ample seating, and complimentary espresso and baked items day by day. Hooked up to the lodge is the beforehand talked about normal retailer the place you should purchase snacks, provides, and merch. There are additionally laundry services on the property so company can pack mild, and pets are welcome at no further cost.

Undoubtedly, essentially the most spectacular exercise Ofland presents is the classic drive-in theater. A scenic discipline with a formidable daytime view is full of classic automobiles — every outfitted with a useful radio and a heater for colder nights. Company can decide their favourite automotive and watch basic films 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 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 carried out 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 every time doable. One distinctive undertaking 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 principle present. 

Location

Ofland places company 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. Situated 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 very advisable. 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 lovely hikes that aren’t a part of the parks system.

The way 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 means that you can seek for one of the best deal.