Overview & Suitability

The Bonaventure Cemetery Visitor Car Park Area is a dedicated parking space situated at the back (eastern edge) of the historic, scenic 100-acre Bonaventure Cemetery along the scenic Wilmington River bluff. This open-air surface lot is highly suitable for standard passenger vehicles, family cars, and tour group visitors who wish to explore the famous southern gothic grounds on foot. While oversized vehicles can navigate the cemetery, they are highly encouraged to contact the administrative office ahead of time to coordinate parking. Please note that overnight parking, RV camping, and idling are strictly prohibited.

Access, Dimensions & Clearance

Accessing the visitor car park requires entering through the main gates at 330 Bonaventure Road, directly to the left of the brick caretaker office. Drivers should navigate through the main paved and unpaved pathways, following the signs (such as Mullryne Way) towards the river bluff at the rear of the cemetery. As an outdoor surface lot, there are no height clearance restrictions. However, drivers must navigate with care, as the internal cemetery roads feature tight turns, unpaved gravel/sandy surfaces, and low-hanging live oak branches draped in Spanish moss.

Parking Rates, Tariffs & Booking

Parking at this facility is entirely free of charge for all cemetery visitors and tour participants. There are no reservation requirements, ticketing kiosks, or parking apps needed to secure a spot. Space is provided on a first-come, first-served basis during the cemetery's operational hours.

Security & Amenities

The parking area resides within the gated municipal grounds of Bonaventure Cemetery, which is actively managed by the City of Savannah's Department of Cemeteries. The cemetery gates are locked promptly at closing time daily. While there is no dedicated CCTV coverage or active security guard stationed at the gravel lot itself, staff members are based at the nearby administrative office during the day. Public restrooms and visitor information maps are available near the front entrance administrative building.

Strategic Alternative

This car park is the perfect staging point for those attending daytime public walking tours or historical excursions. While it is not practical as a commuter lot for downtown Savannah (located roughly 4 miles or a 15-minute drive away), it acts as an ideal, peaceful stopover for travelers visiting the adjacent town of Thunderbolt, GA, or combining their trip with a scenic drive to the nearby Wormsloe Historic Site.

Event & Venue Access: Traveling for an event? Check out full guide and rates for parking near Thunderbolt Museum.