Camp Mystic Drops Summer Reopening Plan After Outrage from Families, Texas Lawmakers

The historic Camp Mystic has abandoned plans to reopen for the 2026 summer season following intense backlash from victims’ families and Texas lawmakers over its handling of a deadly flood disaster.

Camp officials confirmed they have withdrawn their application to operate this summer, citing the need to allow grieving families time to heal and to avoid interfering with ongoing investigations into the tragedy.

The decision comes months after catastrophic flooding on July 4, 2025, swept through the all-girls Christian camp in Texas, killing at least 27 campers and counselors, along with the camp’s owner.

The planned reopening had sparked widespread outrage, particularly among families of the victims, who described the move as insensitive and premature. Texas lawmakers also mounted pressure, questioning the camp’s safety protocols and its response during the disaster.

Investigations and hearings revealed serious concerns, including alleged gaps in emergency preparedness, lack of a detailed evacuation plan, and untrained staff during the flood.  These findings intensified calls for accountability and led regulators to scrutinize the camp’s license renewal process.

In a statement, the camp acknowledged the ongoing grief and legal processes, noting that “no summer season should move forward” while families continue to mourn and investigations remain unresolved.

Authorities, including the Texas Department of State Health Services, confirmed the withdrawal of the camp’s license application, effectively halting any reopening plans for this year.

The tragedy, one of the deadliest flooding incidents involving a youth camp in recent U.S. history, has prompted broader discussions about safety standards and disaster preparedness at camps across Texas.

Legal cases and state investigations into the incident are still ongoing, with more developments expected in the coming months.