the mommy avenger

I love the outdoors. But if there’s one thing I have managed to avoid since getting married, it’s camping. I know, I know! I grew up camping all the time, tents, sleeping bags, the whole deal. But somewhere along the way, married-with-kids me decided that being one with nature was best enjoyed during daylight hours only, thank you very much. There’s just something to be said about spending all day outside and then coming home clean, comfortable, and sleeping in an actual bed at night.

So when I tell you I have found the best of both worlds right here in Utah, I need you to believe me, because I am still thinking about this trip.

Enter Ofland Escalante

The second I saw the accommodations at Ofland Escalante, I was sold. Even with my well-documented camping hesitation, the appeal of what this place offered got the better of me. And friends, I am so glad it did.

We drove into Escalante not entirely sure what to expect, and I was blown away before we even got out of the car. The property itself is stunning, red rock and wide open sky as far as you can see, and it only got better once we saw our rooms.

The Accommodations

Ofland offers a handful of ways to stay, and we got to experience two of them: a tiny cabin and a deluxe cabin.

The tiny cabins are exactly what they sound like, small, custom-designed spaces with 11-foot ceilings and glass walls that put you right in the middle of that gorgeous Escalante landscape. They come with heating and air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and a mini fridge, but they don’t have their own bathroom. Instead, tiny cabin guests use the spa-quality shared bathhouses on property, which, let me tell you, are nicer than some hotel bathrooms I have experienced.

The deluxe cabins, on the other hand, are the only rooms on the whole property with a private bathroom. Panoramic windows, an en-suite restroom, and a private outdoor shower under the open desert sky. Life. Changing. I am not exaggerating when I say I came home wanting to add an outdoor shower to our own property. There is something so incredible about showering outside, warm water, cool air, and nothing but the sky above you. If you have never experienced it, put it on your list immediately.

Comfort in Every Detail

Here’s the thing that really got me: this is glamping done right. Every little detail had clearly been thought through. The bedding was soft and cozy, the air conditioning kept us perfectly comfortable even on a warm afternoon, the Wi-Fi worked when we needed it, and the soaps and toiletries felt like something out of a boutique hotel, not a campground. We were beyond comfortable, and that is coming from someone who was fully prepared to rough it.

The Food (Can We Talk About the Food?)

I was not expecting to write a whole section gushing about camping food, but here we are. Ofland gives you so many options.

• Meal kits for anyone wanting that classic campfire cooking experience, sourced locally, so you’re eating well even when you’re cooking your own dinner over the fire.
• A general store for grab-and-go snacks and essentials, perfect for when you just need something quick between adventures. You can also grab delicous s’mores kits to roast on the fire here (everyone loved this!)
• A food truck, which was hands down my favorite. They cook everything fresh, and it shows. The burgers and fries were incredible, and the breakfast sandwiches and breakfast burritos were the perfect fuel before a big hiking day. Honestly, we tried a little of everything and loved every single bite.

So Many Ways to Unwind

Once the adventuring was done for the day, there was still so much to do right on property. Fires by our cabin, communal fire pits scattered around, cozy lounging areas made for relaxing, and games to keep everyone entertained. Whatever you could want after a long day outside, they thought of it.

The pool and hot tub were exactly what we needed after a day of exploring, the kind of tired-but-happy exhausted that only comes from a full day outdoors. We soaked, we relaxed, and we soaked some more.

And then there’s the drive-in movie theater. You guys. Every night, Ofland puts on a movie, and guests get to watch from actual vintage cars parked right there on the lawn. I genuinely felt like I had stepped into the movie Cars. There’s a little concession stand serving up free popcorn, plus other classic movie treats if you want to buy something extra. It quickly became our favorite part of the evening, the whole family piled into an old car under the stars, popcorn in hand. Pure magic.

The Staff

I would be doing this review a disservice if I didn’t talk about the staff, because they were wonderful. Friendly, helpful, and so accommodating from the moment we arrived. They made us feel like family from check-in to check-out, and that kind of hospitality goes a long way when you’re traveling with kids (and a dog).

Yes, Our Dog Came Too

Speaking of family, Ofland is dog-friendly, so our pup got to tag along for his very first outdoor camping adventure. He had the time of his life exploring the property with us, and honestly, it made the whole trip feel even more complete.

What’s Nearby

Ofland Escalante is the perfect basecamp for exploring Southern Utah. You’re just minutes from the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, with endless slot canyons, arches, and waterfalls to discover, including favorites like Devil’s Garden and Lower Calf Creek Falls. Scenic Byway 12 runs right through the area and is considered one of the most beautiful drives in the entire country, so even the drive to your next hike is an experience in itself. Bryce Canyon National Park is only about 45 minutes away, and Zion National Park and Capitol Reef National Park are both within easy reach too, making this the ideal spot to post up for a few days and explore in every direction.

Would We Go Back?

Absolutely, without question. We only spent a couple of nights at Ofland Escalante, and we were genuinely sad to pack up and leave. It was one of those trips that felt over far too soon. We will absolutely be back, because this is one of those rare places that manages to give you everything, adventure, comfort, good food, and genuine relaxation, all in one incredible spot. In fact, I could see this becoming a family tradition. Imagine having a family reunion at this spot? It would be beyond incredible.

If you’re like me and love the outdoors but aren’t exactly a camping person, do yourself a favor and book a stay at Ofland Escalante. It just might change your mind about camping the way it changed mine. And if you do love camping, embrace this property and it will be a completely upgraded experience that will really impress you.

_{*we were invited to facilitate a feature, all opinions are our own*}