Camping tipps rivian

Car Camping with a Rivian: What You Need to Know Before Your First Trip

Thinking about your first car camping trip in a Rivian R1T or R1S? Whether you're a seasoned camper or new to the outdoors, Rivian’s electric adventure vehicles offer an exciting, capable, and eco-conscious way to explore the wild. But EV camping does require a bit of planning — here's what you should know before hitting the road.

What You’ll Need to Bring

1. Roof Rack or Gear Panels
Storage is key, and Rivians give you options. Roof racks are great for larger items like tents, water carriers, and boxes. Molle panels on the bed or cab wall help keep tools and gear secure and within reach.

2. Camp Kitchen Setup
Rivian's Gear Tunnel is great, but you'll want to bring the essentials:

  • Collapsible table
  • Camp stove or portable grill
  • Cooking gear and utensils
  • Water jug with spout

3. Sleeping Setup
For R1T: A rooftop tent or bed platform with a foam mattress works great.
For R1S: Fold the seats down and create a cozy sleeping platform inside.
Pro tip: Bring an insulated sleeping bag and window covers for privacy and warmth.

4. Charging Plan
Check for charging stations near your camping spot — apps like PlugShare and ABetterRoutePlanner are your best friends. Some state and national parks are adding EV chargers to their lots, too.

5. Lighting + Power
Rivians have built-in outlets, so you can run lights or charge devices, but consider bringing a battery bank or solar panel for backup.

Where to Go Rivian Camping

National Parks
Zion, Yosemite, Yellowstone... these are epic, but often busy. Rivians are perfect to explore those iconic spots with jaw-dropping views, scenic drives and plenty of outdoor activities. But be aware - these parks fill up fast, especially in spring and summer. Make sure you reserve your spot months in advance.

Many national parks now support electric vehicles, with Level2 EV chargers available at visitor centers or nearby towns. Apps like PlugShare or A Better Route Planner can help map out charging options near your route.

Rivian started setting up their Adventure Network all across the country, offering high-speed charging stations to all electric vehicles. They are intentionally set up near popular outdoor destinations, which makes EV camping a lot easier.

Some of our favorite spots:

  • Joshua Tree National Park: a Rivian chargin station is less than a mile away from the visitor center. The Rivian Outpost also offers restrooms (access code can be found in the Rivian App), snacks and coffee for purchase. This location also offers a recycling station - perfect to help divert waste.
  • Yosemite National Park: the first Rivian Outpost ever is built from an old gas station just outside the national park in Groveland, California. With 24-hour highspeed-charging stations, it's the perfect spot before headint out to climb El Capitan or other stunning peaks in the national park.
  • Black Canyon National Park: another one of Rivian's Adventure Network charging stations can be found in the city of Montrose, just outside of breathtaking Black Canyon National Park. 

2. BLM Land & Dispersed Camping

Looking for more solitude and open skies? The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) oversees vast stretches of public land, especially across Nevada, Utah, Arizona and California. You can often camp here for free and without a reservation.

Ideal for Rivian drivers who want to test their vehicle off the beaten path. Just be sure to bring portable power, plenty of water and to follow Leave No Trace practices - pack out what you pack in. We recommend using apps like iOverlander, The Dyrt or Gaia GPS to find reliable dispersed sites.

Some of our favorite Spots include Sand Mountain, Utah (a Tesla Supercharger is located about 40 miles from Sand Mountain in Nephi, Utah), Pole Canyon Campsite in Nevada or Goodale Creek Campground in California.

3. State Parks and Campgrounds
A great in-between: lots of beautiful locations, often with facilities and drive-in access. If you're looking for a more balanced experience, state parks and traditional campgrounds can be a great option. Most states offer stunning parks with restrooms, showers and RV-style hookups you can use with the right adapter.

It's a bit less rugged than dispersed camping but often more convenient - especially for first-timers and families. Some campgrounds even offer Wi-Fi, dump stations and groceries nearby.

Tips for a Smooth First Trip

  • Pre-condition your cabin at night or in the morning using the app.
  • Pack smart and light - every pound affects your range.
  • Download maps and media offline. You won’t always have signal.
  • Bring recovery gear - especially if you’re heading off-road.

Final Thoughts

Rivians were built for adventure and with the right gear and a little planning, your car camping trip will be one to remember. Whether you're headed for the mountains, desert, or coast, your R1T or R1S is more than ready.

Want to outfit your Rivian with smart accessories made just for the way you camp? Check out our shop

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