Avila Hot Springs

I had a great time soaking in the hot mineral springs. The price is great, especially for the morning and evening soaks. The staff is friendly and informative. If you need a towel or a lock for your locker, you can purchase them. They have a couple vending machines for drinks and snacks. They offer massages. This is a very low key, no frills hot springs pool. Bathing suits are required. The water does make your skin and hair feel soft and silky. My sore muscles were relaxed, when I left. The water does have a little of the mineral sulfur in it; so there is the slight, "Sulfur," smell. Don't let that turn you off. They keep the water at about 104°. If you like the warmer water stay near where the water comes into the springs pool. I prefer slightly cooler water; so, I stayed at the far end. I will definitely return when I'm in the area. One of the questions asked was, "Do they have a cold plunge pool? If you are looking for the standard 5'x5' (40°-50°) plunge pool, no, they don't. The swimming pool is heated to 89°. It is a normal, chlorinated pool, but the chemical treatment is perfectly balanced, and you don't smell the chlorine. ***Someone on Google said that they are open until 10:00 p.m. This is incorrect. I confirmed it with the staff. They are only open until 9:00 p.m.

Nice hot springs that' s been open forever! I've been coming here since the 70's and my grandfather used to come here from the 1930's to the 1970's ! Established in 1907, this hot springs has a nice clean single hot pool about 2' deep. You will sit with other folks and though there is some conversation going on, it's done fairly quietly and respectfully most times, obviously you'll get some louder people so expect that on occasion. There is also a nice large comfortable temp swimming pool with a slide and area for kids, with chairs and tables to sit and relax. We went on a weekday from 12-4 and there wasn't a lot of people. Weekends are especially busy at times. There are campsites and some small cabin rentals here also. There is a large grassy area in front of building for picnicking as you can come and go as long as you have wrist band on. No food served here, with vending machines for drinks. You can bring in your own water and munchies if you want. There is what they call an early session that goes from 7am-12 noon for 18$ which is nice also.

The facilities are old, but the staff are lovely and the lifeguards are very aware and watchful. My one complaint is that children under 8 aren't allowed in the hot springs area. I am fully aware that hotntubs can heat up little bodies very quickly, but it should still be up to my discretion to allow my six year old to warm up for a minute. I recommend this place for families with children 8 and up due to the height restriction on the slides and the age restriction in the hot springs.

I've came here several times and its always AMAZING!!! I don't know exactly when he works but I always seem to run into one of the lifeguards, Brody, and he is such a joy!(Easy on the eyes too) He is always conversating with other guests and myself and makes sure the hot spring is not too hot for anyone. He constantly checks on everyone and helps the kids have a fun time too when he can. Definitely coming back. <3333

Love this place. You take the good with the bland and it adds up to a mellow spot to enjoy mineral water, in a man made tub, surrounded by palm trees and green oaks. The water is the star of the show, it keeps me going, erasing body pain, mental distress and resetting my nervous system. Say hi to the lifeguards, they're the best! 10+ points if you get to meet Sunny, the orange cat. ♥️

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Avila hot springs and spa. I started off by going to the changing room and getting in my bathing suit then taking a shower . Then going in the hot tub for awhile then the huge cold pool that's just normal pool temperature. There was not very many people in it . Then back to the hot tub. Then I received a massage from Nina. It was such a relaxing massage. The pools are included all day if you get a massage so I went back to the hot springs to relax some more. I would definitely recommend being water and snacks because there is only a vending machine for food options. But it was an incredible way to spend the day! . So relaxing

Finally find a spot to relax and unwind both body and mind. Just a clear thinking and a deep inhale exhale. Thank you so much for this wonderful day Avila hot springs.

10.17.25 & 10.18.25 Hot Spring pool was so nice! They don't have towels for rent or use anymore but you can still shower there. Must bring your own supplies. 8am-12pm $18/person

Cool Vibe nice pool, sulfee pool you sit in is crowded but relaxing. I can't get the smell out of my bathing suit so keep this in mind when you select the suit to wear there. A little pricey for what it is.

Great!! We came here at 4 pm on a weekday which I think is not as busy of a time. 28 bucks per adult and you get a wristband that's for the whole day. Seems like students get discounts. After 5 pm I know admission is cheaper but I think it gets busy. We came back the same day at 8:20pm since they close at 9pm, it was also not super busy (no kids). There is a 84 degree large pool and a 104 degree hot springs pool--they have a cloth shade over the hot springs pool but no shade over the large pool. We swam and sat in the hot springs pool, super relaxing. There's palm trees all around which is lovely, however lather on sunscreen since there's no real shade.

The County health department paid a visit a few years back and determined some method of sanitization must be incorporated in order to continue operating. The place chose to purchase an ozonator and inject ozone into the water as an alternative to chlorine, maintaining its reputation for keeping the water natural. I no longer visit the hot spring pool due to the immediate energy drain I seem to encounter when settling in the 18" deep pool. I mentioned this to a person beside me and he iterated the same thought. The lithium in the water was naturally my first thought, but it never zapped my energy as much as it does now. It previously was welcome, in fact. I more prefer hot springs that leave me revitalized. That said, a day's outing by the pool with the family is a must when visiting the area. The water is refreshing and comes from nearby Lopez Lake, chlorinated and monitored closely by staff. The grass in the parking area also makes for a wonderful picnic. While the parking is free, the poolside and hot spring visit is not. $27/person gets you a wristband for an 8 AM to 9 PM visit, and a mere $17 will get you access to either an 8-12 AM or 5-9 PM visit.

Today was another less than to be expected with Avila hot springs. This afternoon after a hotter week we decided to take our daughter swimming. We have been taking her swimming here since she was 2 months old. It was the very first place that I introduced her to a pool. In the past year prices have gone up with very little improvement to anything. I believe the pool was redone so that the fiberglass wouldn't irritate swimmers anymore and then the hot tubs tiles were replaced with a fiberglass bottom that already shows wear and irritates the skin. Non the less the ascetics were never the motive. The people and the staff in the past have always had positive local vibes and were very friendly, some have I have considered friends. Our visit today truly saddened me. Theres an older white haired woman lifeguard that has started working there not long ago that has a negative attitude in general, but today was way over the line, As the girls got into the pool and I into the hot tub I could here her repeatedly blowing her whistle at children at yelling "walk, stop, no dunking" all normal lifeguard calls but the way that she was screaming seemed a little excessive, even overhearing other swimmer saying "she's a little aggressive". Nevertheless, this didn't really bug me at the time I just thought I was a bit much. I went to go join the girls in the pool and my daughter who is now four is an amazing swimmer and surfer but has trouble laying face up on her back for long periods of time. We were practicing together while I held her and as children do she turned it into a splashing game. So as my daughter is laughing and trying to flip over to "get daddy" the lifeguard shows up and ask MY 4YO DAUGHTER "Are you ok? Do you need help? Is he hurting you?" I was baffled to say the least.. my daughter is in no better hands than myself in any water to say the least I worked on and in the Pacific Ocean for years we are Polynesian AND I would never let anything or anyone hurt her. I spoke up and said "this is MY daughter she's Laughing. You can talk to me!" She Replied "she was screaming" I confirmed she could leave now and that her assistants wasn't needed. She stayed near as if she was trying to watch us more in depth or to try and intimidate me, her father? Is it racism in SLO county? I don't know. Anyways, we decided to take a lap with my daughter on my back taking multiple dive to the bottom of the pool to prove her actions where 100% uncalled for and that she could most likely out swim this "lifeguard". Then, we packed our things and left respectfully. Thank you for the memories, A once Loyal now Lost participant

It simply wasn't the place I was used to in the past. It was pleasant and a good run from Avila Beach so we had a good time.

First of all, this is not a fancy schmanzy resort so manage your expectations. I went a couple of years ago and it was a bit run down. Then I went recently and was pleasantly surprised by the upgrading and upkeep. Attentive life guards were at the main pool, fresh paint, more and better seating around the pool, and cleaner than I recall. This is a casual, and somewhat rustic, hot springs. Check their website for early or later in the day discounted admission. Since I moved to the area, I'll be getting a multi-visit punch card which lowers the per-visit cost. If you know and like the restorative effects of hot springs you won't be disappointed. You have in and out privileges so you can leave and come back later for another soak. Come on. You know you want it. You'll thank me later. ;)

I love it here and have been coming for years. The staff is wonderful and you can camp if you like to. It is family friendly and peaceful and relaxing.

It is a great experience , beautiful settings. The staff seems a little confused if they are asked questions and they are pretty simple questions.

We were a few minutes late after Pismo was no longer accepting overnight camping. The worker at the beach entrance gave us a small list of possible locations to check. This was the only one with availability. First time. Party of 5 with two cars there was plenty of parking & two options between cabins or tent camping . Cabins were all taken so we chose the latter & we got to choose from the available spots. Staff person was friendly & checked us in quick. They have a nice, DEEP, pool. Indoor plumbing restrooms & showers that close at 9pm. Porta-potties for after 9pm. Tent camping sites include fire pits & a bench.

Do not be confused! This is a therapeutic environment, not a spa. It delivers. Wife and I have no complaints.

I'm not opposed to swimming in natural hot springs in mud ponds, the desert, or hillsides, but when I come to a pool facility I expect it to be cleaner than this. I do return here occasionally as the mineral water helps my health, and I don't want to drive out to Franklin, but this place often gives me the ick. I've left many times because I didn't feel like my belongings were safe next to the pool, or something in the pool didn't look right (not talking about the cloudy minerals or sulfur - brown smudges and floating debris). Lifeguards often are very relaxed and not watching the mineral hot tub. I was a lifeguard for years and I know you're suppose to be consistently scanning when on duty. Sometimes they just disappear around the corner for 10 min. I've camped here as well and it's just a dirty parking lot with 24/7 freeway noise echoing off the mountain. No trees, space, or privacy from other campers. A few porta potties in the campground area. Outdoor showers next to the pool, at least one of them doesn't latch at all and I had the door opened on me. No showers in women's rest room, but 2 changing stalls and I think one toilet. It's basically a dirty public pool with a dirt lot for camping. Public pools I lifeguarded at were all better managed and cleaner than this.

Quirky, clean and smelly ... but it a healthy way ! The hot pool has strong odor of sulphuric, but that is just minerals at work. The staff members were all super helpful. A fun place for kids.

It's a fun place to go that's open until 8:30 or 9 pm. It's always clean. The pool is pleasantly warm and goes up to 8 feet deep. There is always lifeguard on duty who helps everyone stay safe and have a pleasant experience. I've never seen it too crowded or empty. You can buy a full day pass, early morning pass, or evening pass. I like the evening pass because it's a relaxing and enjoyable way to spend an evening. And who doesn't like swimming in a heated pool or relaxing in a hot spring?

Massage appointment for my wife's 40th birthday. We showed up and waited 35 minutes for therapist that no showed and no call for apology. Had to request refund and took 3 days as it was pre purchased on gift certificate. No call or follow up to apologize. Don't recommend

It's a nice rustic, pool and springs, hot tub, relaxing for the body! They have half-day and full day passes, prices are reasonable totally enjoyed myself

This place is managed by possibly the nicest guy in the world. I had come here about 5 years ago and recently returned again after the pandemic (peak) to find the place much improved. The outdoor furniture has been updated and the women's bathroom has been remodeled (new tile and sinks). I also noticed the place just seems more neat with cute flowers out front and small repairs. A day pass gets you all day access with re-entry. There are lockers in the bathrooms so you can bring your own lock. PRO-TIP: the women's locker room lockers only fit reallt tiny locks (so think the tiny padlocks we used on diaries in the 2nd grade.) Unfortunately they do not have food offerings but there is a vending machine with drinks and chips. They allow you to bring food and drinks from outside. This place definitely gets packed on hot days but it's lots of fun for young children. This is NOT a resort type place for singles/couples without kids. Except loud and chaotic family fun.

Stopped in in February by chance and was all excited if the possibilities of a natural hot springs. The girl working at the front desk was incredibly nice. She gave us information on the facility and let us walk around and look at the pools. It's a no frills place. They have a large swimming pool with waterslides for the kids. There were a few people in the chlorinated pool doing laps. In the back corner was a fairly large shallow communal tub with warm water that quite a few people (Not socially distancing and no masks) were sitting in. The water has a heavy sulfur smell and the water isn't hot. It really appeared to be more of a Petrie dish than a place to soak and relax. $12 a day for adults. I'm guessing for the pool it might be fine, but this is not my type of hot springs.

This is NOT a spa. We purchased 2- 90 min couple massages and were appalled at how they misrepresented the facility. 1- The facility is disgusting and is basically attached to the kid pool. There are no indoor bathrooms or showers, let alone any toiletries to use after your massage. HOW IS THIS A SPA??? 2- I booked a couples massage for my husband's birthday and nobody bothered to tell us that there are no couples rooms. 3- When we arrived we were pointed outside and told to go let our massage therapists know we were here. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Not my job. 4- We both were disappointed with our massages, my husband more than me. His massage was done with vinyl gloves which made him really uncomfortable. He was also covered in so much oil he wanted to run out of there. He admits that he didn't speak up about the gloves and should have instead of sitting through 90 min of misery. My massage therapist used good technique but didn't read any of the requests in the form they asked us to fill out. I asked for extra time on my shoulders and she didn't massage them at all. Did whatever she wanted. 5- When leaving I asked if we could use the restroom and assumed they'd have a different restroom for "spa" guests. They told me to go to the pool deck. I just laughed and decided for the first time in my life that I wasn't going to tip a masseuse.

Expensive with WAY too many rules. They have the whole pool with tons of ropes dividing different areas. You have to go under and lift the ropes to get to the other side. God forbid your child holds on to it too long, and they will be yelling and blowing their whistle. The showers are outside and the dressing rooms inside. Won't return. If you want a poop go to swimply.com. You can rent a whole pool for $50! We paid $75 for our family and only stayed 1 hour because the kids were over all their rules. Oh, and kids can't wear life jackets!!! Insane, I couldn't understand why not!!

They've gotten too expensive for (locals) to swim and soak- how about more reasonable prices?

I enjoyed my time at this hot springs. It was $15 for the evening time slot, 5pm to 9 pm. Got there a little after 5 and thought I was going to stay for a few hours. Didn't realize how intense it would be. Hot springs was hot and sulfuric in smell. I only lasted about 45 minutes. Got real busy after 6. Only bad part is that my swimming trunks still smell like sulfur after a couple of washes. Overall this place is a gem!

This is a great mineral Springs because you don't have to smell the chlorine like you do so much at Sycamore. Sycamore has so much chlorine you can't even sit in the tubs. It's awful. The only thing I would change is less screaming children and a little more quiet in the mineral Springs so you can meditate and relax. I think some of the people they are drinking way too much coffee because they really don't stop running their mouths, even though the sign says inside voices. You can hear the conversations of everyone and you don't necessarily want to hear that kind of talk. Sometimes it's just way too crowded and there's no place to sit or hang out. But the water is perfect and feels nice despite the negatives.

This was one of my very favorite places in the world. I've gone for almost twenty years and I am sad about what's happened with the prices recently. I know the cost of everything has gone up, but damn.. this was one of the last small pleasures I could afford for my sanity, and I imagine a lot of other people are similarly disappointed.

My wife, 10yr old son and I stayed here in 2015. We were booked for four nights in August, but ultimately only stayed for one night before leaving. After four days of dry camping in Lake Santa Margarita in 100 degree heat, we were all looking forward to a few nights close to the ocean and the cool air. Imagine our disappointment when we arrive at this 'resort'. First, it is located directly beneath the 101 freeway off ramp, and the traffic noise is not what we imagined when booking a 'resort' near the 'beach'. The beach is 2-3 miles away. There is supposedly a trail (that we never found) that apparently goes to the beach, but that is an hours walk! The tent camping is shoved in at the back of the 'resort', behind the cabins, closest to the freeway. Many, if not most, of the campers seemed to be long term residents there. Not to make assumptions or be critically judgemental, but in these cases these folks are rarely 'campers' or 'outdoorsy', they are down on their luck and have to resort (no pun intended) to living in a tent. Not the cosy beach community camping I had envisioned. There is a water park for the kids, that requires an extra fee. There is a club house that had a few games and whatnot, looked okay nothing to sing about. The cabins looked very nice, and probably offered better noise insulation from the freeway. My final beef is with the name. I did not see any indication of a hot spring anywhere on campus. So to call this place a Hot Springs Resort is completely disingenuous. Also, they owners should be more transparent in their marketing about the location and desirability of the tent camping.

This place has the best Hot Springs and we have traveled to quite a few places. What we love is they are friendly and will turn the temperature up or down in heat as necessary. Also they have great seating areas in between soaks. And a lot of very good minerals in the water as well of course! Thank you!

WHAT A MESS! we ,among our friends, have a reputation for enjoying a paper napkin diner over cloth and candles. But even with our low standards and willingness to look past the decor and delapitation; this place dosent deserve a half a chance! I wonder if the owner is deleberatlty running it into the ground. I'm dumbfounded by the amount of simple fixes and blatant neglect. As our understanding developed, i could almost hear a voice screaming to retreat, escape and to save-yourselfs. But in the name of curiosity we continued our exploration despite every new nasty observation. Years of walking through haunted houses during halloween left me semi prepared for the next disgusting suprise. It was a lot like trying not to watch a train wrek. We were so grossed out, we couldn't look away. if you go keep your head down, eyes closed, nose pinched, and do not breath or blink. This is the only way i could imagine the experience to be semi enjoyable. Otherwise you'll find yourself suckered into one of the worst shit hole-,miserable -excuse- for -any- kind- of buisness,slopp-opp,this side of the mississippi. Possibly a destination for comedic entertainment ...if your into raunchy laughs like beavis & butt head or the likes of Ren and Stimpy then you just might find this place humorus. If your the kind of person that gets a good chuckle from a funky, eye watering, porta potty then Avila Hotsprings is pants pissing hilarious!

Love the tree top hot springs. Staying in a room with a tub is even better. Nice walks around the area. Beautiful grounds.

If you are driving from Los Angeles, this place is not worth it. It looks great in pictures until you actually arrive. Pros: Pool area is nice and big. Believe it has a deep end of 10 feet. The water slides are great for kids. Cons: The camping is some of the worst tent camping I have ever seen. For example we were given a campsite which was an alley between rv homes and the street. Definitely not what you expect after driving for 4 hours. Know that there is no management here, so if you want to have loud parties and eat mushrooms until 4:30am like our neighbors this is the place to go. They have no one patrolling the grounds or enforcing any rules. So for two nights we were subjected to our our camp neighbors partying and raging. All I'm saying is, don't come her to camp, but not horrible to swing by for a dip in the pool.

Great family friendly environment. Everyone in the family enjoys...Movie night, what a great idea!!!

The website says the pool is heated but as of 12/21 it's about 71 degrees F FYI. Also $5 for a towel if you don't bring your own. Consider Sycamore private spas down the road instead.

We had a meeting in Slo this weekend so decided to camp at Avila Hot springs. As avid hot spring enthusiasts we weren't super excited about this place. We reserved a camp site but when we pulled up late at night someone was in our spot. The one hot tub is basically a hot kiddie pool. The cold pool is chlorinated with a water slide. They play movies outside at night. With a little cleaning and upgrade this place could be 5 stars.

Not sure why the low reviews. This place is awesome. The pool is the perfect temp any time of year and the soaking pool is very relaxing.

I've read the reviews, and here is my take on that. It's a camp groundy thing. You are gonna mix with... loud/weird people, you never know. If your not patient or flexible, go spend $600+ a night 5 min away at a posh hotel.. This was my first time camping there, but I have done the day pass for the pools about 5 years ago. We were on our way to morro bay and did not want to pay another $1200 for 2 suites the Saturday night rate for one evening, so we decided to hang out near Avila beach and Pismo the Saturday b4 to save up for the lobster dinner and fun activities in Morro Bay. We enjoyed our stay and accepted we were staying in a nostalgic older place. Could it use an upgrade? Sure, but then your gonna pay a whole lot more. You get what you pay for: Simple, clean, pleasant staff and great pool and hot spring. Be patient they are short staffed these days.

Been hitting this place up over break. Went to movie night at 8pm and soaked for my second time today. What a great resource we have here. Thank you Chumash for finding and preserving this sacred spot. Water was 107+ and more like 120 degrees where the water is dumping into the shallow pool. Thank you to all the cool employees. Cody, Dave and all the female lifeguards are so friendly and chill.

This review is for the pool area only, as I have never camped here. The Avila Hot Springs is located right off the 101 at the Avila Beach exit. The pool area has a large pool with two small water slides. There is also a hot mineral spring soaking area. While there is a lot of seating, there never seems to be enough. My suggestion is to bring your own fold up chair, perhaps bring a chair that provides shade, as there isn't always seating in the shade. They do allow guests to bring in snacks and drinks, as there is currently no restaurant inside as there has been over the years. Avila offers birthday parties, you can buy multiple passes at a discount if you plan on going multiple days or live locally. There are lifeguards on duty, and they usually clear the pool area between 230 to 300pm for break/lunch. Overall, I think it is a great value and a nice way to spend a day/evening. It is much warmer than swimming in the ocean, it is clean, but dated. As a local, I buy sets of passes and use them when I feel like a day in the sun.

I have always yearned to go on a road trip with my friends for a very long time. However, while all of us are out of high school and can take care of ourselves for the most part, many of us are poor college students with a limited amount of money. Therefore, me being the main event organizer for our group, I had the challenge of finding a vacation spot destination that required little to no spending money. Luckily, upon talking with an internet friend, I was able to remember Avila Hot Springs, which was a resort that my family frequently stayed at whenever we visited Pismo, and it was because of this, that I was able to choose this as our first vacation spot! In total, for a three day and two night trip, and for two reserved camping spots it would cost $260. However, divided by eight people it only cost each person $32.50 which was an amazing bargain if I do say so myself. As a result, I notified all my friends and I booked our reservation for the campgrounds one month in advance from June 9 to June 11th. Service: 2/5 The people I talked to at the front desk were extremely relaxed, but unprofessional. Though friendly, I felt like they did a very mediocre job at addressing my problems and fixing them, especially during phone calls where none of the workers were able to give me an accurate time I should come over to check in or check out. I felt like I was talking to a bunch of teenagers that were just doing a summer job, and it's because of this that I could not take them seriously. There were also times when I felt like they were obviously annoyed by my presence and that I was just wasting their time, so I was overall very disappointed with the service they provided. Campgrounds: 3.5/5 As I have mentioned before I've visited the campgrounds several times previously and all those times we were camped at the grass area in the front of the lobby. However, can you imagine the disappointment I had when I realized that our camp spot was on a dirt and gravel lot that was a mile a way from the lobby! I was so confused and annoyed, that I had no choice but to walk one mile to the lobby to voice my complaint. There I was greeted by a woman who was a little rude and nonchalant when speaking to me where she told me straight that we had to settle for the gravel and dirt road as our camping spot. I came back to the camping spot annoyed and disappointed, however, at the end of the day, we decided to make the best of what we got, and tried to see the positives. Positives: - a large tree offered our camping spot tons of shade - the camping spot was nice and large to fit two big tents - we didn't have to smell the sulfur - it was actually nice and quiet for the most part - large camp grill provided - two porta potties that were not too far from the camp grounds - two large trash bins to put trash - we had access to water through a hose that was near the campgrounds Negatives: - we always had to take a really long hike just to get to the main building - dirt and gravel is not a comfortable place to sleep in Hot Springs & Pool: 4.5/5 My friends and I greatly enjoyed the pool and hot springs that were kept clean for the most part. It was also really spacious and there were lots of seats available for people to come and just watch their loved ones play. It's a very friendly area to just sit and enjoy yourself. There are also a lot of friendly locals that you could talk to. Of course, though, most of my friends were looking to the hot springs the most which they found hard to get into at first since it was extremely hot. Ultimately though, they enjoyed it the most, and spent most of their time at the Springs vs the pool. Bathrooms: 5/5 Avila Hot Springs did an amazing job at updating the bathrooms from when I previously visited. At first, the bathrooms were extremely cramped and small and it proved nearly impossible to shower comfortably. It was also really unsanitary and dirty for the most part. However, when I visited this time, the bathrooms and changing rooms got a new makeover. This time, it was large, spacious, and clean. The shower room was most impressive because it offered a bath bench, two shower heads, clean curtains, and a large drain. The changing rooms were immaculate because it offered several changing rooms and bathrooms to do your business. Conclusion: 4/5 Avila Hot Springs will always have a close place in my heart, and I'm happy to say that it was well worth the visit. Despite the several bad reviews this place was given, I think it is an amazing Hot Springs that any regular family or a group of friends can enjoy. But I cannot stress this enough, please do not visit this Hot Springs expecting some five star resort because you won't get that. It's run down and there are a lot of facilitates that are out of use, like their kitchen and snack bar. But if you just want a place that is affordable and to enjoy yourself and make memories, I cannot recommend this place enough.

I visited this place in May for the first time in 19 years & I was disappointed with what this place has become. The mineral hot springs & pool were great as before; just everything else went down. There are now more of the cabins that took out the campsites that were reserved for RV's. The grassy & shaded tent camping areas have been removed & chopped up into more & smaller sites that are barely big enough to accommodate a small tent & vehicle. The bathroom & showers are gone (you have to use the pool shower to take a shower) & have been replaced by outhouses w/ a water reservoir system to wash your hands. The snack bar & game room are gone as well. I understand that someone's bad behavior ruining it for everyone else & the need to create more campsites to satisfy demand. I would use the hot spring & pool but I won't camp here again.

About what I expected. Pools were hot and clean. Lifeguards we're friendly. We did the night swim option for a discount $ and it was perfect. I'd have a hard time staying for a full day.

Wow I should have checked the yelp reviews before coming to this place. All the bad reviews are 100% accurate. If you are looking for a clean spa experience, go somewhere else. We came here solely for the "hot spring". We were staying in Pismo, we found their website through a google search, and their website made the place look great! Boy were we wrong. Once we checked in, I was shocked they only had men's locker rooms, so I had to wait in line to use a single bathroom. Once we got to the "hot spring" we were completely put off. The pool is only a foot deep and it was packed with people - there were people standing and waiting to enter. Not only was that off putting, but the pool itself was gross - like we never clean the water or the grout - gross. We left immediately.

I'm ONLY giving a 1 star because I can't warn people about how terrible this place is without doing so. All of the negative reviews are 100% accurate. My husband and I booked a couples massage and arrived about 40 minutes early to try out the "mineral hot spring". What a JOKE! It was dirty with broken tiles and bugs floating. Against our better judgement, we went inside for our massage. We were first told, the massage therapist would be out in a few minutes. 10 minutes pass and I ask again. We're then told she's in traffic running late. A few minutes later, another woman comes out to say the other massage therapist isn't showing up and SHE'S upset. Are you serious?! In my opinion, save your money and go ANYWHERE else. I wish I would've read the reviews before attempting to have an enjoyable day at this place.

My wife and I booked a couples massage at Avila Hot Springs while on our anniversary vacation. My wife who was in her third trimester was excited that the out door pool was heated but not too hot for her to swim in and that I would be able to enjoy the natural hot springs. When we arrived we were surprised to see the facility wasn't well lit and was dirty. We learned the pool heater couldn't keep up with the cold weather and the water was going to be too cold for my wife somewhere in the 60-70's temp. After waiting until 15 minutes after our appointment I spoke with the massage therapist who informed me that the other massage therapist wasn't answering her phone and didn't come in. They recommended another facility owned by the same people Sycamore Mineral Springs Spa. We left and while the staff was friendly enough would not schedule a massage here again.

I love this place. I love the natural waters. Perfect spot for the locals to come soak. They recently redid the Hot Springs tub, so it's looking nice. Then when you get nice and hot, you can take a dip in the pool swim around and get back in the tub. A great spot to relax. I like that it's not pretentious at all!

ELISE THE PERSON WORKING THE FRONT IS HORRIBLE Really smelly, dirty place. Lots of rules . 1. I couldn't use my daughters paddle jumper ( coast guard approved ) at the pool because their "insurance" 2. I went to pay for the pool and asked for my wrist bands she said no use for people leaving that day. So I asked to pay the difference and she got conformational about the number of people in my party , Then brunet lady with part down the center of head and her ugly nails tried to tell me it was impossible to do a late check in ( WHICH WE DID ) she also tried to say I didn't pay for my spot because they don't take cards over the phone (WHCIH THEY DID ) the whole things is fucky

Absolutely not, my house pool looks better, my daughters immediately did a b-line for the door, and the premises was not clean.

I wish I would have done more research before booking here. Probably won't stay here again. Not really a camping location! I would travel farther up to Big Sur if you're looking for more of a camping experience. The campsite is right next to a busy highway so you can hear every car that goes by! I guess it's close to the beach (10 min drive) if you want to leave your camping gear and stuff here unattended.

Sunday around 4:30... Everything is fine but girl at the front was rude i said thank you bye she just hung up. Makes you not want to go anymore. Get people with better customer service

I LOVE! this place so much , I've been coming for 30 years to the area and I always visit this place.Even I buy my ranch to come every day to Avila Hot Springs. Their location ,the weather ,the nature is wonderful for all the bad comments there is a sycamore hotel go ahead paid top dollar STOP complaining. This place is so in expensive and I am very grateful ,even in my country Mexico ,the Hot Springs over there are more expensive then here. I love the bad comments, because people express how cheap they are.

Came here strictly for the hot springs. Well, it felt like a hot pool next to a swimming pool outside. On a very chilly night, oh, I am sure people will love the idea of getting their body soaked in steamy hot sulfuric water. I can see why people brought in their reusable water bottles because you do get dehydrated in there. Some people get too hot and will jump into the swimming pool. Once you're done, you can rinse off with a nice hot shower that is located next to the hot springs. I would come here again, because not a lot of places offer something like this. I haven't tried their spa/massage services. The building itself could use some remodeling, it looks run down, The parking lot definitely needs some TLC. It has potholes, uneven asphalt, water holes, and faded parking lines.

Horrible. This place is a dump. Football sized hair in the shower drain, black gunk on every surface, dirty pool and hot spring, wood rot everywhere, trash all over the place, they do not clean the campsites so be careful and look for broken glass, cigarette butts etc. this place is ran by younger kids who don't care and that's pretty evident considering the numerous bad reviews and refusal to clean this place up. Out of my family, I am the only one that refused to use the shower or pool/hot spring and the only one that is not currently sicker than a dog. That says something. They have a big kitchen area that is empty and now I know why. The health department wouldn't allow food to be prepared at a place as dirty and run down as this. We won't be staying here again.