Glamping in Southern Utah: My Stay at Ofland Escalante

Ofland Escalante stands out as a modern micro resort offering unique outdoor accommodations in the small town of Escalante, right on scenic Byway 12 in south central Utah. Ideally located less than an hour from Bryce Canyon and 90 minutes from Capitol Reef, it serves as a great base for travelers exploring Utah’s “Big 5” National Parks. Open from March through October, the property offers guests a choice of traditional campsites, vintage Airstreams, tiny cabins, or deluxe cabins. Only the deluxe cabins have private bathrooms, but the well-maintained shared bath facilities are worth experiencing—more on them later.

I traveled by camper van during this trip and sought a comfy stopover for a few nights to rest and clean up between my national park visits. Luckily for me, I was able to snag one of Ofland Escalante’s campsites at the last minute. I checked in at the hotel’s main building, where the host gave me an easy-to-follow map and guide to the property grounds. I purchased a sweet snack and a yuzu kombucha from the on-site general store, parked the van at the lovely wooded campsite around the corner, then plopped myself at the lodge area—a covered outdoor patio with seating, gas fireplaces, lending books, coffee, tea, and a view. I knew I had hiking routes to plan, but I was more than content taking in the scene for the entire evening.

A stormy night followed by an overcast morning delayed my hiking plans. This gave me a second day to embrace the hotel’s vast amenities. I threw in a load of laundry at the shared facilities, slipped into the huge outdoor hot tub, then indulged in a much overdue shower in the luxurious shared bathhouse while music piped in through a high-end speaker system. To my surprise, the bath facilities were comparable to a luxury hotel’s spa. The diligent staff kept them squeaky clean and smelling great despite the muddy conditions right outside.

I spent the afternoon reading on the patio and chatting with other guests. The on-site food truck serves hot breakfast and dinner most days, and the general store offers grab-and-go items and DIY meal kits. Since I have dietary restrictions, I was happy to take a short drive into town and pick up dinner from Escalante Outfitters, a local pizza restaurant that’s also an outdoor gear retailer.

My evening plans were set. The hotel offers a drive-in theater at the edge of the property with showings every night. Instead of using a personal vehicle, guests lounge in classic cars, permanently parked for moviegoers’ pleasure. I brought my blanket and adult beverage, and snagged a free bag of popcorn to enjoy my complimentary screening of Jurassic Park. I don’t know if this movie choice was intended for a rainy night, but it was absolutely brilliant!

Ofland Escalante is an excellent hotel option for a variety of travelers, including outdoor enthusiasts, weekend explorers, families, couples, or friends. The common thread is an appreciation for the great outdoors and a desire for a bit of comfort between adventures.

Escalante is a tiny town with one small grocery store. Check the hotel’s and the town’s food options before arriving to be sure all travelers are taken care of. It’s easy to pack in and store snacks in your cabin if needed.

When the weather is favorable, there are tons of stunning hiking trails within 30 minutes to a few hours' drive from town. The hotel and local retailers offer great suggestions. Lower Calf Creek Falls is a favorite nearby waterfall hike.

Dogs and kids are welcome and are frequent guests at Ofland Escalante. Keep in mind that the area is bustling during the summer months. Later spring and the fall are great times to visit, with mild weather and fewer crowds.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Utah page.