Overview
A private geothermal soak inside the city
Camp Hot Wells sits next to the historic Hot Wells ruins on San Antonio’s South Side and offers bookable soaking suites fed by geothermically heated well water. The setup is intentionally intimate: private tubs, a quiet garden feel, and a bar area where you can do a casual foot soak if you’re there for drinks and snacks.
How the experience works
This is not a big public pool. You reserve a private bathing suite, show up on time, and soak for your scheduled window. The water is sulfuric and mineral-rich, and the business is straightforward that temperature and mineral character can vary day to day. It’s a controlled environment compared to a wild spring, but it still behaves like real well water, not a chlorinated spa circuit.
Important planning note
Children under 16 are not permitted in the bathing suites and back garden area. The bathing suites are private, and clothing is optional inside them, with the expectation that guests are respectful around shared outdoor spaces.
Location & Access
Where it is
Camp Hot Wells is at 5423 Hot Wells Way in San Antonio, right next door to Hot Wells of Bexar County (the public ruins park). If you can find the ruins, you can find Camp Hot Wells.
Parking
Parking is on-site. The venue recommends turning right immediately after crossing the train tracks facing the ruins and following the gravel trail to the grassy parking lot. Arrive a bit early if you haven’t driven the area before.
Reservations
Soaking is scheduled. If you’re planning a weekend visit or a special occasion, booking ahead is the practical move. Walk-in soaking is not something to rely on.
What to bring
Towels and drinking water are provided with the private suites, but you’ll still want sandals for wet ground and a simple cover-up for walking between areas. Skip silver jewelry, the venue notes that sulfur water can tarnish it. If you’re sensitive to sulfur smell, plan for a shower afterward and don’t wear your nicest clothes to leave in a hurry.
Suitability & Accessibility
Camp Hot Wells is best for adults who want a private, contained soak in San Antonio without driving hours into the desert. It’s a good match for couples, close friends, and travelers who like their hot spring experience scheduled and predictable.
Who will love it
People who want privacy and calm. The suites are designed for one or two guests, and the business asks that no more than two people use a bathing suite at a time to keep the atmosphere quiet.
Who should skip it
Families with kids. Children under 16 aren’t permitted in the bathing suites or back garden area, and kids are not allowed in the foot baths at the front bar. If your trip plan requires “everyone can join,” this won’t work.
Mobility realities
The bathing suites are outdoor covered patios. Surfaces may include gravel paths and small transitions. If you use a wheelchair or need step-free entry, contact the venue with specific questions about gate widths, thresholds, and seating options rather than assuming.
Expectations vs reality
This is not a public soaking pool you can lounge around all day. It’s a booked soak window. The best visits happen when you treat it like an appointment and build the rest of your evening around it.
Safety & Etiquette
Don’t overheat
The venue notes the well water is geothermically heated and can vary. Start slowly and use your own discretion. Take breaks, use the cold shower if needed, and get out if you feel lightheaded.
Respect shared space
Clothing is optional in the private suites, but the garden area is shared. Be considerate moving between spaces and keep behavior low-key. This is a relax-and-reset environment, not a rowdy soak party.
Timing matters
Soaks are scheduled, and the venue asks guests to leave the suite at the conclusion of their hour to stay fair to others. Show up on time, and don’t plan to “stretch it” if the next booking is behind you.
Food, drink, and smoking
The venue offers drinks and snacks, and notes that outside food or drink isn’t allowed for certain bookings. Smoking is allowed on the grounds, but not in the bathing suites. If you’re sensitive to smoke, choose a quieter time and keep distance in open areas.
Water and materials
Sulfur water can stain and tarnish. Avoid silver jewelry, rinse after soaking, and keep anything delicate out of splash range. Treat the water like mineral well water, because that’s what it is.
FAQs
Are children allowed at Camp Hot Wells?
Children under 16 aren’t permitted in the bathing suites and back garden area. Kids are also not allowed in the foot baths at the front bar.
Is clothing optional?
Yes. The bathing suites are private, and guests can choose clothing or swimsuits in the tubs. The venue asks guests to be respectful in shared outdoor areas.
How hot is the water?
The venue states the water comes out of the ground geothermically heated and that temperature can vary. Use your own discretion, start with a shorter soak, and cool down if you feel overheated.
Can you bring a dog?
Dogs are welcome on leashes around the grounds, but they are not allowed in the tubs or suites.
Do you need to bring towels?
Private suites include towels and drinking water. Bringing sandals and a simple cover-up is still practical for moving around outdoors.