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

Whereas the identify 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 just lately up to date its identify to Ofland (that means “of the land”) to honor its objective 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 variation 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 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 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 a protracted hike. What set Ofland aside for me went past the cabins and even the facilities (which had been considerable). Ofland creates a communal area to satisfy different campers and friends. 

I arrived very late, however the employees 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 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 do-it-yourself 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 canine got here to say good day, and I shared a drink with a fellow visitor who gave me tips about the hike I deliberate to do the following day. The following 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 the most effective of tenting and accommodations. You may have all the posh of a lodge room (if you need it!) with all of the neighborhood you usually discover at campgrounds.

To be taught extra about what Ofland gives, learn my full assessment beneath. 

The Rooms

Ofland gives 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 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 bogs across the Ofland property — however don’t have any worry; these are spa-level showers and facilities. The very massive 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 folks with a queen mattress and a queen sleeper couch. They embrace wifi, a porch, a personal parking area, a kitchen space, and a personal rest room and outside bathe. The lavatory has the identical degree 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 equipment 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 received 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 offered all the posh of a lodge room with the most effective 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 facet of half fries and half tots — it was excellent after a protracted day of climbing.

However friends who wish to absolutely maximize the amenities can even purchase DIY meal kits that allow you to combine and match proteins with sides. The dishes come pre-seasoned and principally ready, in order that they’re beginner-friendly, however nonetheless assure a scrumptious meal. The kits additionally include every little thing you could possibly 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 in case you’re in a rush and don’t wish to look ahead to a superb 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 quite a lot of snacks and grab-and-go choices like contemporary salads and grain bowls, together with a plethora of regionally made drinks from wine to kombucha. Some 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 hearth, 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 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 effectively. A pool and sizzling tub are excellent for enjoyable and recovering from difficult hikes, whereas an outside lodge has fireplace pits, ample seating, and complimentary espresso and baked items day by day. Connected to the lodge is the beforehand talked about normal 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 discipline with a powerful daytime view is full of classic vehicles — every outfitted with a practical radio and a heater for colder nights. Company can choose their favourite automotive and watch traditional motion pictures each evening 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 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 remove single-use plastic and is working to supply snacks, meals, and provides from native distributors at any time when potential. One distinctive venture 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 midst 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 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 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 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.