Less than a year after a devastating flood in Texas killed 25 young campers and two counselors, Camp Mystic has abandoned plans to reopen this summer after backlash and ongoing investigations.
The camp had initially aimed for a May 30 reopening, but faced intense scrutiny from Texas lawmakers, law enforcement, and victims’ families. A recent state health agency review also found the camp failed to meet key safety and emergency requirements.
In a statement released Thursday, Camp Mystic said it would not reopen and is “withdrawing its application for a summer 2026 camp license.”
“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 statement read.
The camp said it did not want to “remove any doubt” that it had heard concerns from grieving families, state lawmakers, and the public, though it noted that “over 800 girls want to return” this summer.
The announcement follows contentious hearings this week at the Texas State Capitol, where the Eastland family, which owns and operates Camp Mystic, faced hours of questioning from lawmakers.
“If y’all are left as an operator in any form or fashion, what deterrent does that send to another operator that I can have kids die on my watch and still be an operator?” State Senator Charles Perry said.
State Sen. Lois Kolkhorst also questioned whether the camp was prepared to resume operations.
“Do you really think you’re ready to take on 500 children plus?” she asked.
The Eastlands defended their response to the disaster.
“This flood, we did not see coming,” said Edward Eastland, the camp’s director. “Our concept of high ground has now changed forever.”
Edward Eastland’s father, Dick Eastland, a former director of the camp, was among those who died in the flood.
Mary Liz Eastland, who also helps run the camp, said the family is willing to step back if necessary.
“We’re willing to take a step back, if camp can go on,” she said.
The camp is also facing multiple lawsuits from victims’ families.
