Camp Mystic Announces Partial Reopening Plans
The management of Camp Mystic has shared intentions to partially reopen for the 2026 season at an alternative, unaffected facility near Cypress Lake. Starting from May 30 until August 9, the camp will offer 10-day sessions.
The previous location, devastated by flooding along the Guadalupe River, will remain closed throughout 2026 while the organization explores long-term recovery strategies.
This decision follows a tragic incident on July 4, when severe flooding resulted in the deaths of 25 campers and two staff members, collectively known as “Heavens 27.” The camp’s executive director and owner, Richard “Dick” Eastland, also lost his life while attempting to rescue campers, bringing the total fatalities at Camp Mystic to 28.
To keep parents informed, the all-girls camp distributed a newsletter detailing preparations for next summer at the new Cypress Lake site. This location, entirely distinct from the former Guadalupe River camp, will feature its own entrances, dining hall, office spaces, athletic fields, and more.
The email highlighted that all cabins at the new site sit well above the 100-year floodplain. Tours of the camp are slated to begin in April 2026.
“Our hope is that one day we will be able to utilize both camp facilities again for longer sessions.”
In response to safety concerns, the camp has installed several flood monitoring devices, a high-capacity generator, and NOAA weather alerts for campers. They’ve also upgraded to satellite internet, even though mobile phone usage is prohibited and service coverage is limited.
The aim is to ensure communication with parents and emergency services in case of a future crisis similar to July’s disaster. That said, the email didn’t provide specifics on the evacuation plan or safety protocols in place.
A lawsuit was filed in early November by the families of five campers, accusing Camp Mystic of prioritizing financial interests over safety.
“Currently, campers Margaret Bellows, Lila Bonner, Molly DeWitt, Laney Landry, and Blakely McCrory are supposed to be third-year students, and counselors Chloe and Catherine are supposed to be freshmen at the University of Texas,” the complaint details. “They’re all gone.”
The families claim that when flooding began, camp owners directed staff to secure gear for over an hour instead of evacuating campers immediately. Consequently, two cabins named Bubble Inn and Twins were not evacuated, even as other campers were moved to safety just 90 feet away.
Moreover, the families allege that the camp was knowingly set up in flood-risk areas and lacked adequate safety and evacuation plans.
“We recognize that there is both hope and heartache in returning to Camp Mystic,” the camp communicated within an email to parents. “For many of your daughters, this return will not be easy, but it is a courageous step in their healing journey.”
