Camp Mystic has withdrawn its application for a 2026 operating license and will not reopen this summer, following criticism from victims’ families and state lawmakers after a deadly flood last year.
The decision comes after a legislative hearing earlier this week that examined the camp’s response to the July 4, 2025, flooding, which killed 25 campers, two counselors, and executive director Dick Eastland. The disaster was part of broader flooding across the Texas Hill Country that claimed more than 100 lives.
In a statement Thursday, camp representatives said the decision was made out of respect for grieving families and ongoing investigations.
“No administrative process or summer season should move forward while families continue to grieve, while investigations continue and while so many Texans still carry the pain of last July’s tragedy,” the camp said.
Camp Mystic had planned to reopen in late May, using portions of its property that were not affected by the flooding, and expected more than 800 campers to attend. Those plans drew strong opposition from families of victims and some state officials, who urged regulators to delay or deny the camp’s license renewal.
During the hearing, family members of the girls who died spoke about their losses, while lawmakers sharply questioned the camp’s leadership.
State Sen. Charles Perry (R-Lubbock) criticized the operators, saying, “Y’all will not be an operator next session, next season if I can have anything to say of that because you just missed it, and it was tragic,” CBS News reported.
Edward Eastland, a co-director of the camp, acknowledged the failures, telling lawmakers, per CBS, “The anger at us not being able to keep them safe feels completely reasonable. I have no excuses.”
Family members also said that Dick Eastland had insisted the camp’s flood response plan was to shelter in place.
In its statement, Camp Mystic expressed condolences to those affected by the disaster.
“Twenty-eight precious lives were lost. We recognize that no statement and no decision can undo that loss or ease the burden carried each day by parents, siblings, loved ones, survivors, first responders and our beautiful Kerr County community,” the statement read.
The camp added that while it would not reopen this season, its connection to families remains.
“We also recognize that over 800 girls want to return to Camp Mystic Cypress Lake this summer. Our special bond with our Camp Mystic families does not change or end with the announcement. We love each of you.”
The Texas Department of State Health Services had been reviewing the camp’s license application prior to its withdrawal.
Additional coverage by The Dallas Express on Camp Mystic:
- Camp Mystic Tragedy: ‘That’s Never Going To Happen’ Mindset (April 28, 2026) – Investigative report on leadership failures and lack of emergency prep leading to 27 deaths.
https://dallasexpress.com/state/camp-mystic-tragedy-thats-never-going-to-happen-mindset/ - Camp Mystic Medical Officer Admits Not Reporting 27 Deaths (April 15, 2026) – Testimony from the camp’s chief medical officer during hearings on reopening.
https://dallasexpress.com/state/camp-mystic-chief-medical-officer-testifies-she-never-reported-27-deaths/ - Parents Of Missing Camp Mystic Camper File Lawsuit To Block Reopening (February 7, 2026) – Lawsuit by parents of Cile Steward alleging ignored warnings.
https://dallasexpress.com/state/parents-of-missing-camp-mystic-camper-ask-court-to-block-reopening-after-july-4-flood/ - From Grief To Action: Heaven’s 27 Parents Introduce Safety Navigator And Grants For Nonprofit Camps (January 23, 2026) – Victims’ parents launch statewide camp safety initiative.
https://dallasexpress.com/state/from-grief-to-action-heavens-27-parents-introduce-safety-navigator-and-grants-for-nonprofit-camps/ - Woman Arrested For Posing As Father Of Teen Killed In Deadly Camp Mystic Flood To Scam Donations (January 17, 2026) – Arrest of a woman scamming donations by impersonating a victim’s family.
https://dallasexpress.com/crime/woman-arrested-for-posing-as-father-of-teen-killed-in-deadly-camp-mystic-flood-to-scam-donations/ - Camp Mystic Appeals To Alumni As Legal Fight Intensifies (December 19, 2025) – Camp seeks alumni support amid multiple lawsuits.
https://dallasexpress.com/dx-brief/camp-mystic-lawsuits-alumni-called-to-aid-defense-after-deadly-flood/ - Families Seek Justice: Texas Camp Mystic Hit With Multiple Lawsuits (November 12, 2025) – Four lawsuits filed alleging negligence and failure to evacuate.
https://dallasexpress.com/state/families-seek-justice-texas-camp-mystic-hit-with-multiple-lawsuits/ - Camp Mystic Parents Plead for Change (August 22, 2025) – Parent testimony leads to advancement of Senate camp safety bill (Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act).
https://dallasexpress.com/state/camp-mystic-parents-plead-for-change/ - Over 600 Gather At North Dallas Church To Pray For Flood Victims (July 7, 2025) – Memorial service honoring victims, including those from Camp Mystic.
https://dallasexpress.com/lifestyle/over-600-gather-at-north-dallas-church-to-pray-for-flood-victims/ - Camp Mystic Director Dick Eastland Dies Saving Girls In Texas Flood (July 6, 2025) – Reporting on the director’s heroic death and ongoing search for missing campers.
https://dallasexpress.com/state/camp-mystic-director-dick-eastland-dies-saving-girls-in-texas-flood/ - Dozens Dead, Campers Missing After July 4 Flood in Texas Hill Country (July 5, 2025) – Early breaking coverage of the flood, with initial reports of 23–25 missing from Camp Mystic.
https://dallasexpress.com/state/dozens-dead-campers-missing-after-july-4-flood-in-texas-hill-country/
