Making a gravel parking spot?

[TravisNuwa81]

Hey all a friend of mine and I want to make a cheap, (really) cheap parking spot for our campers. My 27' fiver and his 30' bumper pull. I know fresh gravel is a pain in the a$$ to drive on so what tricks has anyone else done to make a spot? Thanks all


Ps. If there is a better spot for this topic will a MOD move it please? Thanks!!!

[BFlinn181]

In our region, crushed limestone makes a good solid surface. The larger chunks get locked in by the finer and the dust. In other parts of the country, they use crushed granite that does the same thing. You'll have to put it down in layers (2-3" at a time) then tamp each layer with a vibrating plate tamper. Check with local stone yards, they can tell you what is available in your area.

[pops2]

x2 on the limestone

[TravisNuwa81]

Originally Posted by BFlinn181

In our region, crushed limestone makes a good solid surface. The larger chunks get locked in by the finer and the dust. In other parts of the country, they use crushed granite that does the same thing. You'll have to put it down in layers (2-3" at a time) then tamp each layer with a vibrating plate tamper. Check with local stone yards, they can tell you what is available in your area.

Thanks for the info. Total size will be probably close to 30x30'

[Mr_D]

Our ground is pretty much clay, I just put down a couple inches of 3/8" minus crushed rock. Been that way for over 20 years now although I should throw some new stuff on and build it up for our present rig.

[TravisNuwa81]

So just lay a few inches tamp and repeat?

[BFlinn181]

That usually is all it takes. Be sure to have a bit of slope or crown in the pad to aid in draining.

[TravisNuwa81]

For such a large area how would you advise we do it just dump it in one area and spread it out or dump in one area and then cart it to the next. It would be nice if we had some type of skid loader but we don't...

[CJScepter]

If your going to have a dump truck bring it in they can spread it pretty close if you show them what you want. Crushed rock is what you want, not washed or round rock. Since you plan on leveling it up the old fashioned way, rake or shovel, I would not get any bigger that 5/8" minus. I have done it the old fashioned way many times. My neighbor loaned me his landscape rake, it is about 3' wide and makes leveling alittle easier, but it does pull harder! Good luck.
John G.

[TravisNuwa81]

Originally Posted by CJScepter

If your going to have a dump truck bring it in they can spread it pretty close if you show them what you want. Crushed rock is what you want, not washed or round rock. Since you plan on leveling it up the old fashioned way, rake or shovel, I would not get any bigger that 5/8" minus. I have done it the old fashioned way many times. My neighbor loaned me his landscape rake, it is about 3' wide and makes leveling alittle easier, but it does pull harder! Good luck.
John G.

Thanks! General crushed rock is $6 a ton with $50 delivery. I wonder how many tons we will need

[Greg2]

Might I suggest putting plastic under the rock, so moisture will not seep upward thru the gravel. Some fabric underlayment on top of the plastic will help with keeping the sharp gravel from poking holes in the plastic.
For a gravel parking place this might not be necessary [I know, you said on the cheap] but if you ever think about putting a roof or shed on it then you will be glad it is already there.

[vsheetz]

DG - decomposed granite. I have a rear of our property driveway, garage/workshop parking apron, and RV parking pad all of DG that has been in place for several years. Hard, solid surface.

Decomposed Granite Driveway Design Ideas, Pictures, Remodel, and Decor

[TravisNuwa81]

Thanks for all the info guys!

[sk734]

If you have top soil, you may want to remove it since the stone will just sink in. If you have clay put the stone right on it.