Overview & Suitability
River Street Parking Lot 2, located at 117 W River St in Savannah, Georgia, is a small, city-operated surface parking lot offering 31 designated spaces. Situated right on the scenic Savannah Riverfront near the foot of the Barnard Street Ramp, this lot is highly coveted for its immediate proximity to the waterfront’s prime historic attractions, shopping, and dining. Because of its tight physical layout and location on a historic cobblestone street, this lot is strictly suited for standard passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks. High-profile vehicles, RVs, and oversized motorhomes are not recommended due to space restrictions.
Access, Dimensions & Clearance
As an open-air surface lot, there are no height clearance limits to worry about, making it accessible for standard roof-rack vehicles. However, accessing the lot requires driving down the steep and historic cobblestone Barnard Street Ramp, which features uneven surfaces and tight turns. Maneuvering within the 31-space lot can be extremely challenging during peak hours when the lot is full. Drivers of low-clearance vehicles or wider SUVs should navigate the ramp with extra caution.
Parking Rates, Tariffs & Booking
The lot operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but parking fees are only enforced Monday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM at a highly competitive rate of $2.00 per hour. Parking is completely free outside of these enforcement hours and all day on Sundays. There is no option to pre-book a spot online; spaces are available on a strictly first-come, first-served basis. Drivers can pay upon arrival using the automated pay stations with credit/debit cards, or conveniently through the ParkSavannah mobile app.
Security & Amenities
This is an unmanned, self-service parking lot. While there is no on-site security guard, the area is well-lit by municipal streetlights and benefits from routine patrols by the City of Savannah's parking enforcement and local police. No specialized amenities such as EV charging stations are available on-site, but its prime location provides instant access to the River Street walk, public restrooms, and nearby visitor centers.
Strategic Alternative
For visitors wishing to avoid the premium pricing of hotel valet stands and private parking garages along Bay Street, River Street Parking Lot 2 serves as a highly affordable alternative. It is the perfect starting point for visiting popular waterfront dining spots like the River House Restaurant and Dockside Restaurant. Additionally, it provides easy pedestrian access to the Savannah Belles Ferry, which offers free transit across the river to Hutchinson Island and the Savannah Convention Center.
