Facility Overview
The CMSRU Parking Garage is a modern, multi-level covered parking structure located at 510 Benson Street in Camden, New Jersey. Purpose-built to serve the Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU) and the surrounding Cooper Health Sciences campus in the historic Lanning Square district, this facility provides dependable, sheltered vehicular parking in a busy urban medical and academic corridor. The garage features clearly marked driving lanes, energy-efficient interior lighting, designated accessible stalls, and elevator cores serving all elevated tiers. Most standard passenger vehicles—including sedans, compact crossovers, minivans, and stock full-size SUVs—fit comfortably within the structure. Drivers of lifted pickup trucks, high-roof commercial cargo vans, or vehicles equipped with rooftop carriers should observe the posted maximum clearance height (typically 6 feet 8 inches to 7 feet) at the Benson Street overhead portal, as oversized commercial vehicles cannot be accommodated inside the deck.
Prime Location & Nearby Attractions
Positioned right in the heart of Camden\'s premier healthcare and educational hub, the CMSRU Parking Garage offers exceptional walkability to critical institutions and regional destinations:
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU): Located immediately adjacent, offering direct door-to-door access for medical students, teaching faculty, and campus visitors.
- Cooper University Hospital & Medical Center: Situated just 1 to 2 blocks northeast (a 3 to 5-minute walk), providing convenient access to clinical centers, the Roberts Pavilion, and the MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper.
- Walter Rand Transportation Center: Located approximately 4 blocks away (a 6 to 8-minute walk), connecting drivers to regional rail and light rail systems.
- Camden Waterfront & Entertainment District: A quick 5-minute drive or short transit ride west connects you to top regional entertainment venues, including Freedom Mortgage Pavilion (amphitheater), Adventure Aquarium, and the Battleship New Jersey.
- Rutgers University–Camden: Situated less than 1 mile north, easily reachable within a 15-minute walk or a brief 4-minute drive.
Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity
Navigating to and from the CMSRU Parking Garage is straightforward due to Camden\'s grid layout and strategic highway links. Primary ingress and egress gates are located on Benson Street, positioned between South Broadway and South 5th Street. Outbound traffic disperses smoothly toward major arterials, including South Broadway and Martin Luther King Boulevard. For regional drivers, the garage offers nearly direct access to Interstate 676 (North-South Freeway), providing fast connections to the Ben Franklin Bridge into Center City Philadelphia, Interstate 295, Route 30, and the Atlantic City Expressway. For intermodal commuters, the Walter Rand Transportation Center is only a short walk away, offering PATCO Speedline service into downtown Philadelphia and southern New Jersey suburbs, alongside the NJ Transit River LINE light rail and regional bus connections.
Facility Amenities & Key Features
- Sheltered Multi-Level Parking: Complete protection from snow, rain, and summer sun across all covered deck levels.
- Accessibility & Mobility: Clearly designated ADA-compliant spaces positioned in close proximity to ground-floor walkways and primary elevator vestibules.
- Safety & Monitoring: Equipped with comprehensive CCTV surveillance, emergency call boxes, and bright interior and stairwell lighting.
- Vertical Transit: Smooth passenger elevators and maintained stairwells for easy travel between levels.
- Flexible Payment Infrastructure: Automated pay stations and gated barrier terminals supporting modern credit cards and contactless payments.
Ideal For
- Medical Students & Academic Staff: Those attending lectures, laboratory sessions, and conferences at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University.
- Healthcare Visitors & Outpatients: Family members and patients seeking sheltered, walkable parking near Cooper University Hospital clinics and departments.
- Center City Commuters: Drivers looking to park in Camden and hop on the nearby PATCO Speedline for a quick, congestion-free train commute into downtown Philadelphia.
- Campus Guests & Event Visitors: Professionals and guests attending seminars, white coat ceremonies, or collaborative programs across Camden\'s University District.
Visitor & Driver Tips
When planning your trip to the CMSRU Parking Garage, allow an extra 5 to 10 minutes during morning peak shift changes (around 7:00 AM to 8:30 AM) when medical center staff and university classes generate higher local traffic. Always double-check your vehicle\'s total height if driving a larger SUV or truck with roof attachments to ensure compliance with the posted clearance bar. Take note of your assigned parking level and section letter or color before departing via the elevator, and keep your parking ticket or payment credential secure until your return to ensure a swift, seamless checkout at the automated exit gates.