Camp Mystic to Remain Closed Through Summer 2026
Following a tragic flash flood that resulted in the deaths of 27 young campers and two counselors on July 4, 2025, Camp Mystic has officially decided to withdraw its license application for the upcoming season. The Texas Christian girls’ camp will therefore remain shut until summer 2026.
This choice came after a long period of intense legislative investigation and emotional public hearings focused on safety concerns regarding the camp, which is located along the Guadalupe River.
With the withdrawal of the application, Camp Mystic’s leadership has effectively put a pause on the approval process, opting to keep things closed while ongoing investigations related to the Heavens 27 tragedy continue.
“No administrative process or summer season should proceed while the family continues to grieve, while the investigation continues, and while so many Texans are still living with the pain of last July’s tragedy,” the camp stated.
During a recent congressional hearing that explored the camp’s emergency response and plans for reopening, the Eastland family faced pointed questions about training protocols, disaster readiness, and the overall safety of operations for 2026.
In a poignant moment, camp director Edward Eastland expressed his sorrow and offered a tearful apology to the grieving families; however, this did little to placate parents who had voiced their strong opposition to any reopening plans.
The families urged lawmakers to reject or delay the camp’s licensing, pointing out a worrying lack of accountability following the tragedy. Responding to this growing pressure, Camp Mystic’s leadership confirmed its decision to remain closed for the 2026 season. They pledged to fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation and to support recovery efforts.
“This decision is intended to eliminate any doubt that Camp Mystic has listened to the concerns expressed by grieving families, members of Texas House and Senate investigative committees, and residents across the state. To honor those voices, we must retreat now,” camp leaders expressed.
Regulatory officials have been urged by Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick to deny the camp’s application until all necessary remedial actions and investigations have been completed. Patrick emphasized that Texans “deserve transparency and clear answers before DSHS issues its seal of approval.”
He shared his thoughts on social media regarding the camp’s license application.
“Two days ago, when the heartbreaking testimony from Heaven’s 27 families came to a conclusion, I was hopeful that the Eastland family would consider withdrawing their 2026 Camp Mystic license application this summer. I am grateful to hear that the Eastlands have withdrawn today…”
— Dan Patrick
To address identified safety shortcomings, the Eastlands have reportedly begun investing in improved communication tools and infrastructure, including backup generators and walkie-talkies for use during emergencies.
These enhancements aim to modernize the camp’s response following the disaster of 2025. Even so, the camp continues to face criticism concerning the adequacy of its emergency evacuation procedures.
Despite these physical upgrades, there are doubts among skeptics and safety experts who believe that the existing plan for moving campers safely during a crisis needs a more thorough review, to prevent a recurrence of last year’s tragedy.
