Quick FactsOverview
About Camp Hot Wells
Camp Hot Wells, Texas is a paid, reservation-based mineral spring spa in the Southside of San Antonio, drawing geothermically heated sulfur water from a well sunk to 1,800 feet. Located at 5423 Hot Wells Way next to the Hot Wells of Bexar County Park, it opened in January 2023 alongside the preserved ruins of the original Hot Wells Hotel, which operated from around 1901 until 1923.
The spa offers private outdoor soaking suites, each fitted with either a cedar tub or a pair of antique clawfoot tubs, a hammock, cold shower, and towels. The suites are covered open-air patios set in a garden along the San Antonio River, accommodating up to two guests per suite. A bar serves local craft beer, natural wine, and non-alcoholic beverages, and foot baths at the bar are complimentary for all patrons ordering drinks. For those exploring hot spring resorts in Texas, Camp Hot Wells is distinctive for its urban location and its direct connection to a well-preserved piece of San Antonio history.
The spring water has a sulfurous mineral character that varies slightly from day to day. The surrounding area is part of the Mission Reach section of the San Antonio River Walk, making it easy to combine a visit with a bike or walk to nearby Mission San Jose.
Location & Access
Getting to Camp Hot Wells
Camp Hot Wells is located at 5423 Hot Wells Way in the Southside neighborhood of San Antonio, approximately 5 miles south of downtown. It is easily reached by car, and by bike via the San Antonio River Walk Mission Reach trail from the King William Historic District about 4 miles north. The gravel parking lot is accessed by turning right immediately after crossing the train tracks when facing the ruins, then following the gravel trail to the lot.
By car, the easiest navigation landmark is the Hot Wells of Bexar County Park at 5503 S. Presa St., which is immediately adjacent to Camp Hot Wells. For visitors looking for hot springs near San Antonio without leaving the city, Camp Hot Wells is the only active geothermal spring spa within San Antonio proper and requires no highway travel once you are in the city.
The facility is open Wednesday through Sunday. Wednesday and Thursday hours typically run from late afternoon into the evening, Friday from the early evening, and Saturday and Sunday have earlier opening times. Hours are subject to change, and the official website is the most reliable source for current scheduling before booking. Private soaking suites must be reserved in advance through the website. Walk-in guests are not accommodated for the private suites, though the bar and foot soaks welcome drop-in visitors during operating hours without a reservation.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Camp Hot Wells Is Suitable For
Camp Hot Wells is best suited to adults and older teenagers seeking a quiet, private soaking experience in an urban setting. Children under 16 are not permitted in the private bathing suites or at the foot baths, making this a poor fit for family groups with younger children, though the grassy grounds are open to all ages.
The private suite format suits couples and solo visitors who want a personal outdoor soak without sharing a communal pool with other guests. The garden setting, bar atmosphere, and San Antonio River backdrop make it appealing to those who want a relaxed social element alongside their soak. Groups of up to 10 can book the back garden and suites together for a private event, making it a workable option for small celebrations or parties.
For those seeking soaking pools in Texas within a city, Camp Hot Wells is the only urban geothermal spring spa in San Antonio. The outdoor suites are covered but open-sided, so the experience is genuinely outdoors and weather-dependent in part. The facility is not fully wheelchair accessible due to the gravel parking surface and outdoor path layout. Visitors with specific mobility questions are encouraged to contact the facility before booking. Dogs on leashes are welcome throughout the grounds but not in the tubs or suites.
Safety & Etiquette
Safety and Etiquette at Camp Hot Wells
Camp Hot Wells is generally safe to visit as a staffed, reservation-based facility with an attendant present during operating hours. The water temperature varies by day and individual tolerance, and visitors are advised to use their own judgment about how long to soak and to use the cold shower in each suite if they feel overheated. Staying hydrated throughout the visit is important regardless of the ambient temperature.
The sulfur water tarnishes silver jewelry, and the facility advises guests not to wear silver while soaking. Normal showering with soap after the soak removes mineral residue without difficulty. Visitors with skin sensitivities or conditions that affect heat tolerance should take appropriate precautions before booking a soak session.
Each suite accommodates a maximum of two guests. The facility runs on a strict schedule, and guests who overstay their booking may be charged an additional fee. Respecting the end time is important out of consideration for other guests waiting for the same suite. Smoking is permitted throughout the grounds but not inside the private suites. Dogs on leashes are welcome on the grounds but not in the tubs or suites.
Private suite reservations require a signed waiver from every guest on each visit. Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours in advance, as no refunds or reschedules are available within that window. The facility asks all guests to maintain a relaxed and respectful atmosphere, consistent with the therapeutic character of the space and the shared garden between adjacent suites.
