Camp Mystic has announced that it will not reopen for the summer season in 2026, following significant reevaluation of its recovery plans after last year’s flood tragedy that resulted in the loss of 27 lives.
The incident claimed the lives of 25 campers and two counselors at this all-girls Christian camp in Texas’ Hill Country. Additionally, the camp’s director, Richard Eastland, also perished during a rescue attempt, as reported by the camp’s family ownership.
The camp’s decision to withdraw its reopening proposal came shortly after Eastland’s emotional apology at a recent state hearing, which drew criticism from lawmakers and the families mourning their losses. In a statement, camp leadership expressed a preference to not operate again rather than risk causing any further distress to the affected families.
“While the family continues to grieve, we believe that no administrative activities or summer sessions should proceed,” they stated. The camp’s leaders emphasized that they’re aware of the voices of grieving families, members of the Texas legislative committee, and various residents, and chose to retreat as a show of respect to those concerns.
In their statement, they conveyed condolences, acknowledging that nothing can truly repair the heartbreak caused by last year’s disaster. They mentioned the tragic loss of 28 lives and, while over 900 girls were eager to return for a new season, they recognize this announcement does not diminish the connection with Camp Mystic families.
Initially, camp owners had hoped to resume operations by late May, envisioning a return of approximately 900 participants and planning to use only the sections of the facility that had remained unaffected by the flooding.
This revival plan, however, incited outrage among the families of victims and some local officials, prompting calls for state regulators to deny the camp a permit which was under scrutiny by the Texas Department of State Health Services.
At a recent Congressional hearing, lawmakers scrutinized the camp’s actions during the disaster, pointing to alleged mismanagement, delayed responses to flood warnings, and inadequate emergency training for the staff. They highlighted findings from state regulators, which identified numerous deficiencies in the camp’s emergency preparedness plans.
