Did you know people flocked to a wellness resort to soak in therapeutic thermal pools in San Antonio in the late 1800s and early 1900s? If you’re seeking a stellar soak, Camp Hot Wells on San Antonio’s Southside is the place to go. It’s reviving the sulfur spring wellness experience made famous by the historic Hot Wells Resort.
Hot Wells History
Hot Wells Resort was developed after the 1892 discovery of an artesian well of hot sulfur water on the grounds of a psychiatric facility. The resort’s guest list included celebrities and luminaries like Charlie Chaplin, Will Rogers, and Theodore Roosevelt. The first hotel opened in 1894. It burned down the same year, but by late 1900 there was a bathhouse and three pools. By 1908, an 80-room hotel was one of the largest hotels in South Texas. The hotel closed in 1923 and was converted into school. It burned again in 1925. Tourist cabins were built on the property and the Flame Room was a night club for years. Hot Wells was permanently closed in 1977. Bexar County acquired the Hot Wells ruins and surrounding land in 2015. Hot Wells of Bexar County Park opened in 2019.
Camp Hot Wells Reviving a Soaking Tradition
Camp Hot Wells opened next to Hot Wells of Bexar County Park in early 2023. The mini-resort features a sulfur spring fed bathhouse with two soaking suites and a bar with two shallow pools so you can sip libations while soaking your feet. The sip and soak option at the bar with local craft beer, natural wines, and gourmet snacks is a fabulous concept, especially since Camp Hot Wells is located on the San Antonio River Walk Mission Reach. It’s a perfect break if you’re walking, running, or biking the trail or great for a post-workout stop. The original well is capped. Camp Hot Wells taps into a new well that is 1,800 feet deep. The geothermically heated water is around 102°F in the soaking tubs.
My Soaking Experience
My friend Hope and I went to Camp Hot Wells on a cool and dreary Sunday afternoon. The weather set the perfect mood for a soak. There are two soaking suites. One has a cedar soaking tub and the other has two antique claw foot tubs. When making our reservation several weeks in advance, we decided on the one with two claw foot tubs. I knew there was a bar, but didn’t know there are foot soaks, which are free to use with your bar purchase. After checking in, we were led through a gate and into a delightful garden with multiple serene spots to enjoy. We had booked the first soak of the day. Since no one was in the cedar tub suite, we got to see it. The tub comfortably fits two people and there’s a hammock in the suite. Both open air suites are covered, but since they only have two walls for privacy, you can easily commune with nature while you soak. The gal showing us around began filling the two claw foot tubs with 102°F water pumped in from the deep geothermal sulfur spring while we went to change into our bathing suits. As we climbed into our tubs, the cares of the world slipped away. For the next hour we soaked in the therapeutic water, chatted, relaxed, and enjoyed the view that looks like something out of an exotic tropical paradise. When our hour was up, we reluctantly returned to the real world. Before leaving, we strolled around the Hot Wells ruins and learned about the historic Hot Wells Resort. The signs are filled with interesting tidbits like ostrich races were once a big draw for guests.
Soaking Questions Answered
If you’re wondering if there’s a rotten egg smell common with sulfur springs, there’s isn’t or at least we didn’t notice one. Clothing is optional in the private soaking suites. If you do wear a suit, wear a darker color as the minerals in water could stain lighter colored swim suits. Dogs are welcome on the grounds, but not in tubs. Children under 16 are not allowed. Cost for the Clawfoot Suite is $75 for one tub or $100 for both tubs for an hour. The Cedar Suite is $100 per hour. There is a group rental option including both suites and entire private garden for 2 hours for up to 10 guests for $300. Camp Hot Wells does do specials including 90-minute soaks on Mondays. Check out their Instagram for those.
Getting There
The address is 5423 Hot Wells Way but it’s best to map Hot Wells of Bexar County Park at 5503 S. Presa Street. You’ll see the sign for Camp Hot Wells to the right of the ruins. Parking is easy. Facing the ruins, turn right immediately after cross the the train tracks and follow the gravel trail to Camp Hot Wells’ grassy parking lot.
Author Jennifer Broome lived in San Antonio for decade while chief meteorologist at News 4 San Antonio (WOAI). She frequently returns and is currently co-authoring a book on the wonderful city. Check out post 5 Reasons for My Love Affair with San Antonio on why the city is so special to her. For Hill Country Fun, get some ideas from post on How to Spend a Day in Fredericksburg, Texas. For more experiences in the Lone Star State, check out the Explore Texas section.
