Cost To Build RV Pad (The Exact Estimates!)

Last Updated on January 29, 2023 by Leepu Da Maxim

The cost to build an RV pad is between $300 and $4000. For $300, you have a gravel RV pad. On the other end, the $4000 option is for a cement RV pad. This price is higher since it involves a cement contractor and a truck.

Key Takeaways

• An RV pad is very important for an RV because it will provide support for the RV on the ground
• If you don’t like gravel and cement then you can opt for a permeable pavers pad
• The exact cost of making RV pad mostly depends on location, materials used, and size of the pad

TRUEGRID, an outdoor décor brand, sells them for around $187. That pays for 18 grid pieces covering 72 square feet. (Each grid piece is 1-inch deep)

So, if you own the 2021 Airstream Caravel (16 by 22 feet), here’s a little math:

16 x 22 = 352 square feet ÷ 72 square feet = 4.89 (roughly 5)

So, you’ll spend 5 * 187 = $935

Here’s a little table to make things easy for you:

Cost To Build RV Pad
Material	Estimate ($)	Inclusive of Labor
Cement	4000	Yes
Permeable Pavers	935	No
Gravel	400	No

For each material, you may pay more or less. For example, the cost of a cement RV pad will depend on your desired thickness. If you want a cement RV pad thicker than 4 inches, be ready to pay more for it.

For gravel: the deeper the measured space, the more stones you need. If your RV is too heavy, you’ll need to dig more.

In this article, you’ll know how to build an RV. Also, you’ll learn if RV lots are profitable and how much RV campsites charge. If you plan to make bigger RV pads and hookups, you’ll know how many RVs you can have per acre. In the end, you’ll see if you can live in an RV and on a lot. Stick around for all that info and much more.

Let’s go!

How To Build An RV Pad With Cement Or Gravel

To build an RV pad with cement or gravel, follow these steps:

1. Visit the municipality or city offices and ask if you need a permit to make your RV pad.

2. Once you’ve met all legal requirements, talk to an expert about pad thickness and material of use.

3. Mark and dig out the area. It will help you to level the ground, so go down by at least 5 inches.

4. Lay down the filler cloth.

5. Pour the cement mix or arrange the gravel stones. For a gravel pad, you should place large rocks near the ground. Then, complete the surface with fine stones.

Ensure you are successful and thorough with the RV pad job. Since the RV pad forms the foundation, you wouldn’t want to get anything wrong.

How To Build An RV Pad With Permeable Pavers

Using pavers is easy, considering that you’ll only dig a little. Besides, permeable pavers give you the option of adding gravel or grass fill. So don’t do an incomplete job. If you go for the TRUEGRID PRO-LITE product, here is the procedure to follow:

1. Start laying the male tabs in one corner of the project area. You should do that by moving toward the center.

2. Then, line up all the female slots of the following grid over the male tabs of the first grid.

3. Press down with your feet to lock the grids in place.

4. Repeat the steps until all the grids are in the project area.

5. When done, pick your fill (gravel or grass) and fill it. For grass, you first need to fill the grid with soil. Then you can add seeds.

If you complete the procedure, you’ll like the landscape. Then, your RV pad will be ready, and you can drive your RV onto it.

Are RV Lots A Good Investment?

Are you looking to earn from RV campers? Well, I hope you’re not thinking of building your campground. It’s pretty expensive (upwards of $80000) and can be a tedious process. Let me put it to perspective using the following pointers:

1. You need a sizeable piece of land, which goes for $3160 an acre (NASS report 2019).

2. Then, you’ll have to prepare RV pads. A concrete pad of 16 by 40 and 6 inches deep would total $3840. To prepare ten pads, you’ll need close to $40000.

3. Electrical supply is crucial, and you’ll need to pull some strings. Depending on the amp and volt outlets installed, you could pay close to $2500.

4. You also need water, and digging a well will need another $5000.

5. A septic system will take nothing less than $30000.

6. Other amenities like swimming will cost you a mind-blowing $75000.

I don’t think you want to go down that road. But what if there was another way? What if you own a lot or a campsite?

CarsAmazing 101:

While you may love RVs a lot, don’t start your campground.

Is Owning An RV Park Profitable?

Some destination RV campsites make close to $3800 per month during peak seasons. That’s good money, considering that RV lots appreciate over time. The average return on an RV lot is15%, a figure that exceeds traditional homes and stocks.

So, how much do they cost? Well, it all depends on location and amenities. With $25000, you can get an underdeveloped lot. And if you think that’s cheap, try getting $1.5 million. Yes, that is the price of some lots. But for that much, you expect full access to water, entertainment, and year-round visits.

From GoDownsize.com, RV park owners make up to $90,000 a year. So, if you have good capital, you should do your due diligence and own a park. It shouldn’t be long before you break even and get your profits.

How Many RVs Can You Have Per Acre?

Well, this depends on the area. For example, in Nye County, Nevada, RV park density shouldn’t exceed 15 RVs per acre. While it may change from county to country and state to state, we can give a rough estimate of 10 RVs per acre.

Can I Buy A Lot And Live In An RV?

In many states, living in an RV lot is legal. You only have to take care of the necessary permits. But, you’ll need a septic system and access to public amenities for you to live there full-time.

Conclusion

With $1000, you can build your RV pad with cement, gravel, or permeable pavers. If you feel like leveling up, secure an RV lot for yourself. You will save and improve your RV love.

And even if you have the money, don’t think about building an RV lot from scratch. You won’t break even in good time. So, get a good deal and buy one if you can.

Since you’ve read the article, build your RV pad. And remember to do it well because it is the foundation of a good RV hook.

And oh, don’t forget to share this read with other RV lovers!

References:

https://rvshare.com/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-install-rv-hookups/

https://www.profitableventure.com/cost-build-rv-park-scratch/