Texas Christian camp where 28 died won’t reopen this summer amid mounting pressure

The Christian camp in Texas where more than two dozen girls died in a tragic flash flood last year announced Thursday it will not reopen this summer and is withdrawing its application for approval from a state agency.

Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas, became the site of one of the deadliest disasters in recent U.S. history last Independence Day weekend when historic flash floods surged down the Guadalupe River and claimed the lives of 28 individuals at the camp, including 25 girls. Long known as a summer destination, Camp Mystic drew hundreds of girls each year for a season of outdoor adventure, worship and spiritual growth.

Heading into summer 2026, Camp Mystic was navigating two competing pressures – hundreds of parents who had applied to send their daughters to the camp and, at the same time, state leaders and families of victims from the 2025 tragedy who were arguing it should not reopen so soon.

Camp Mystic is facing multiple lawsuits from victims’ families alleging negligence, including claims the camp failed to respond adequately to flood warnings and lacked proper evacuation plans. The tragedy led to investigations and legislative scrutiny into the camp’s emergency procedures and the broader response to the disaster.

Several Texas political leaders, including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and state Sen. Charles Perry, were vocal in their opposition to reopening the camp this summer.

“After thoughtful prayer and careful reflection, Camp Mystic has withdrawn its application for a summer 2026 camp license with the Texas Department of State Health Services,” the camp said in a letter to parents. “This means Camp Mystic Cypress Lake will not operate camp this summer.

“We know how deeply many of you love this place. For generations, Camp Mystic has been more than a summer destination – it has been a home for friendship, faith, laughter, growth and traditions that shape lives. We also know how much this summer meant to your daughters and your families. Many of you had hoped for the comfort, joy and healing that returning to camp might bring.”

But “we recognize that our broader community continues to grieve a profound loss, and that many families continue to carry unimaginable pain,” the camp added.

“In this moment, we believe stepping back is the right and responsible decision for the 2026 camp season,” it said.

Founded in 1926, Camp Mystic was approaching its 100th anniversary. It has long been a fixture in the region, often welcoming generations from the same families.

The 2025 flooding, fueled by remnants of Tropical Storm Barry, killed about 140 people across the region and ranks 10th on the list of the deadliest flash floods in U.S. history.

The camp was being investigated by the same agency, the Department of State Health Services, from which it was seeking a license.

Kyle Findley, an attorney representing six families in a lawsuit, said the decision should have been made much earlier.

“Although Camp Mystic has withdrawn its application for the 2026 summer camp season, the families’ pursuit of justice will continue through the Courts to complete the investigation in their pursuit for transparency, accountability and ensuring that another avoidable tragedy like this never happens again,” Findley said.

Texas state Rep. Wes Virdell, who represents the area where the camp is located, urged compassion and patience.

“I hope no one ever has to endure a tragedy like the July 4 floods,” Virdell told Nexstar. “My prayer is that this time can be used for all involved to grieve and heal in the coming year. As Texans and Americans, we should be more careful before casting stones at individuals who are already carrying the weight of the world while under a microscope.”