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Earlier this week, I found myself deep in a late-night scroll through the ever-active "RIVIAN Electric Vehicles Discussion" group on Facebook. It’s one of my favorite places to unwind, pick up cool owner stories, and get a real-world pulse on Rivian life.
That’s where I came across a post by Gerard R., a fellow RT1 owner who recently completed an unforgettable road trip from the Bay Area down to Joshua Tree and Palm Springs. What made his story stand out was the discovery of an unexpected gem in the desert, a Rivian Charging Oasis that’s as gorgeous as it is pricey.
Gerard’s Experience: A Hidden Desert Gem
In Gerard’s own words: “Went on another epic trip with the RT1, this time from the Bay Area to Joshua Tree and Palm Springs. At Joshua Tree, super limited charging stations, and it was a big surprise about the Rivian Outpost. This was our home for many days of back and forth to the KOA campground, which was stupidly an hour away. It was a pricey $0.63/kWh, but I just love this beautiful outpost, definitely not a cheap trip to charge. Their landscaping was gorgeous all around and definitely a great tribute to the local plants, love the drought-tolerant and cacti plants. I took some major notes for our own landscaping back home and already made a friend at a local direct supplier nursery.”
Reading Gerard’s story brought me right into the desert. I could almost feel the warm breeze blowing through Joshua Tree.
That’s what makes these Rivian road trips so fascinating, not just the electric adventure, but the small, beautiful moments you stumble upon. Like a hidden charging station with desert charm.
A Charging Station That’s More Than Just a Plug
The Rivian Outpost Gerard found near Joshua Tree isn’t your average EV charger tucked behind a fast-food joint.
It’s a well-thought-out, premium charging location that reflects the design and lifestyle ambitions of the Rivian brand. This particular outpost featured stunning, drought-resistant landscaping with native plants and cacti.
It’s not just about plugging in and juicing up your battery, it’s about having a real experience. The kind that leaves a lasting impression.
A Pricey Charge, But Was It Worth It?
Of course, the $0.63 per kilowatt-hour rate raised some eyebrows. That’s steep, especially if you’re used to charging at home or using more competitively priced networks.
But for Gerard, the price was worth the ambiance.
To be fair, many Rivian owners have reported frustrating charging issues, from Level 3 charging failures that left them stranded to inconsistent range results even on the same home charger.
So when you find a station that works beautifully and makes you feel like you’re on a premium retreat, it’s hard to complain too much.
What Other Rivian Owners Are Saying
One of the best parts about Gerard’s post was seeing the ripple effect it had on other Rivian owners in the comments.
Josh chimed in: “Love this trip. I also drove from the Bay Area to PS. Surprised how many Rivian charging spots I found on the 5.”
Patrick added: “Really enjoyed the JT Outpost a couple of weeks ago. Well done, Oasis. JT Lake Campground, only 5 miles away, was convenient.”
It’s always interesting to compare experiences.
While Gerard found himself commuting an hour from a KOA campground, Patrick managed to stay much closer. It shows how vital it is to research and plan ahead, especially with EV road trips, where charger availability is still a gamble.
From the Road to the Backyard
There’s a growing trend among Rivian owners to incorporate what they see on their travels into their own lifestyles.
Gerard was so inspired by the landscaping at the outpost that he’s planning a desert-style makeover for his yard. He even connected with a local nursery for drought-tolerant plants.
That’s the kind of full-circle moment EV adventures can create, where charging becomes more than just topping off your battery, but an entry point into new ideas and inspiration.
Beyond the Battery: What It Means to Road Trip in an EV
As someone who writes regularly about electric vehicle charging issues—like why some Rivian R1S owners are stuck waiting months for service, Gerard’s experience stood out for being refreshingly positive.
Yes, it was expensive. And no, it wasn’t perfectly convenient. But it reminded me of what makes EV ownership a unique kind of journey.
Every charge stop can become part of the story.
The Flip Side: Not All Charging Stops Are Created Equal
We’ve all seen the other side of the coin.
Rivian owners are rolling into charging stations with 0% battery left, praying for electrons.
Others have been shocked to see their Rivian’s battery drop 10% overnight for no clear reason.
Some, like one Rivian R1S driver, had to rely entirely on Tesla Superchargers just to make a 1,300-mile trip manageable.
There’s a reason we obsess over charging infrastructure—it can make or break the adventure.
Charging as an Experience
So while the $0.63/kWh may sting a bit, for Gerard it was part of a bigger, more meaningful journey.
One where you trade a few extra dollars for peace, beauty, and a sense of connection, to nature, to community, and to yourself.
A New Era of Charging: What’s Next?
Gerard’s story taps into a bigger discussion around EV charging and the future of electric road tripping.
As automakers like Rivian, Tesla, and others continue to build out their charging networks, we’re beginning to see how infrastructure can reflect brand values.
Rivian’s outposts aren’t just functional, they’re experiential. They’re aspirational.
Still, there’s work to do. While some areas, like California’s I-5 corridor, are well-covered (as Josh noted), others like Joshua Tree remain charging deserts, pun intended.
That gap presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Rivian and other players to build more smart, beautiful, eco-conscious charging stations.
Moral of the Story
Not every charge is just a charge.
Sometimes, it’s a gateway to something unexpected, an idea, a friendship, a fresh perspective.
Gerard’s trip to Joshua Tree reminds us that while EV road trips might take more planning and carry more unpredictability, they also come with rewards you can’t get from a traditional gas station pit stop.
As charging networks grow and evolve, the best stories might just be waiting at the next Oasis.
What do you think? Have you ever found a Rivian charging station that completely changed your road trip experience?
And have you used an EV charging station that made you rethink your relationship with nature or travel?
Drop your thoughts in the comments, we’d love to hear your story.
Narek Hareyan is a young automotive journalist with experience in a golf cart dealership and an interest in the automotive industry. Follow Narek on X for daily news coverage about cars.
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