RV Pad Concrete in Idaho Falls: Cost, Thickness & Site Prep
By Carter Built Construction · Updated July 12, 2026
An RV parked on grass or gravel sinks, ruts, and tracks mud — and city code in many East Idaho neighborhoods requires an improved parking surface anyway. A properly built concrete RV pad protects your rig and adds usable, plowable space to your property. Here's how we build them.
Sizing and thickness for RV pads
An RV pad is not a patio — it carries a vehicle that can weigh 10,000 to 30,000+ pounds. We typically spec:
- Thickness: 5–6 inches of reinforced, air-entrained concrete (4 inches is for cars, not motorhomes)
- Width: at least 12 feet for comfortable parking; 14–16 feet if you want walk-around room or slide-out clearance
- Length: your rig plus 4–5 feet; common pads run 12x35 to 16x50
- Slope: a slight grade for drainage so water and snowmelt run off instead of pooling under the rig
What an RV pad costs in East Idaho
Using typical local flatwork pricing of roughly $6 to $12 per square foot installed, a 12x40 pad (480 sq ft) generally lands between $3,000 and $5,500, with the thicker spec and any extra excavation being the main variables. Extras that add cost but are often worth it: a gravel apron, a dedicated walkway, or running electrical conduit under the slab for a 30/50-amp hookup while the ground is already open.
Site prep is what keeps it from cracking
RV pads fail from the ground down. Topsoil has to come out, the base needs to be compacted gravel, and the slab needs reinforcement and correct joint spacing to handle point loads from jacks and tandem axles. In our freeze-thaw climate, drainage around the pad matters as much as the concrete itself — water that ponds against a slab edge and refreezes will move any slab, no matter how thick.
Common Questions
Do I need a permit for an RV pad in Idaho Falls?
A pad at grade on your own property generally doesn't require a building permit, but work in the city right-of-way — like a new driveway approach connecting the pad to the street — does have licensing and permit requirements. We'll tell you exactly what applies to your property during the estimate.
Can you add an RV pad next to an existing driveway?
Yes — extending a driveway with an RV parking strip is one of the most common pad projects we do. We isolate the new slab with proper expansion joints so the two slabs can move independently through the seasons.
How long before I can park my RV on a new pad?
Wait at least 7 days before parking heavy vehicles on new concrete, and ideally longer for a large motorhome. We'll give you specific guidance based on the mix and the weather during your pour.
Planning a project in East Idaho?
Carter Built Construction gives free, no-obligation estimates in Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Rexburg, and throughout the region.