West Ave & 7 Street | Informal Campsite

Park is finished and parking fee now in place - with some ridiculous hours of 9am - 3am at $4/hr..too bad..

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Just walked by to check it out, def a nice looking spot, still appears free

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It’s commonly described in this thread as 24 hour parking, but one camper stayed two nights in another state for a week, so is it possible that there are no restrictions? ‘Am unable to find a city ordinance.

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What an amazing spot and such thorough information that was immensely useful! Thankfully we found a spot immediately as someone was pulling away; we felt so lucky and never imagined finding a free spot so near to South Beach! We felt comfortable enough to stay there 2 nights in a row, but we’re still extremely mindful in staying stealth as much as possible.

***Disclaimer***we unfortunately were a witness to a bigger rig (RV-style) getting towed. I doubt they intended to sleep the night (who knows!), but since they were bigger than 20ft, they were taking 2 spots and that’s a big no no. Parking agent had no pity and towed them!

We even validated with a parking agent about being parked there overnight, and he confirmed it was legit. He did disclaim that with all the condo towers getting built around, this will change probably shortly, so enjoy while it lasts.

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Wow. Many thanks to the OP with fantastic thorough information and sharing this great location. Can’t believe anything is free in South Beach and I had written it off. I didn’t park right here but found spots on 8th st 2 different times I came. Ended up taking my bike all over. Stayed 2 nights and then a week later, one more night. No problem finding a spot. I’m stealth and discreet. I think 12th st is the best with shade from ML the buildings and trees but couldn’t find a spot over there.

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This post is incredibly helpful. I had an Airbnb but still needed a place to park the van for the week and was despairing that every street seemed to be residential permit parking only. Finding the few free spots near 8 and West were a life saver.

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While 8 & 12 streets have the most free 24 hour parking spaces, the ten free 24 hour spots along West ave are my favorite. Along West ave on one side are high rise apt buildings, on the other side is a park currently undergoing landscaping, a metal fence closes it off. Along the park side is ten parking spaces. They are more private, the road is quieter, than 8 & 12 streets. Of the 8 weeks I have spent in and out of South Beach, West Ave is the nicest stealth camping spot.

Publix supermarket is two blocks away with a toilet, a good deli selection.

When walking to South Beach I like using 7, 9, 10 and 11 streets. 8 is riddled with dogshit on the sidewalk. 6 is the homeless run.

At South Beach, along Ocean Drive, toilets are at 6, 10 and 14 streets. By a kid's water park in South Pointe Park is another toilet, but it closes earlier than the others. South Pointe Park lighthouse is a nice place for sunset, people tight-rope walking, various gymnastics, dancing.

A series of rinsing stalls and fountains are along South Beach. The showers are shut off about 7:30pm (to discourage the homeless making a mess). Every day, late aft to early eve, i've soaped to clean sunscreen and sand, shampooed my hair at times, no park ranger has said anything to me. i guess it's ok to be a hobo and shower, just don't be homeless (or look homeless).

My final contribution for South Beach, 13 street (and West Ave) is a one way. The south side of 13 street has about a dozen free 24 hour parking spaces. I have never camped here, preferring West ave.

Cheers!

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