Camp Mystic drops plan to reopen after flood tragedy

A Texas girls’ camp on Thursday withdrew its application to reopen this summer, less than a year after 27 young campers and counselors died in a historic July 4, 2025, flash flood. The Eastland family, which owns Camp Mystic, a Christian camp in Hunt, Texas, previously said they would reopen the camp’s Cypress Lake location, down the road from the property that flooded. They said this week that over 800 girls had expressed a desire to attend the camp this summer. But they withdrew their application after hearing concerns from grieving families and investigating authorities, including the Texas Legislature, according to a statement.

The Camp Mystic owners face multiple wrongful death lawsuits from families as well as inquiries from the state. They said they would continue cooperating with investigations and lawful requirements.

How did parents and Texas authorities react to the decision? Cici and Will Steward, whose 8-year-old daughter Cile died at Camp Mystic, said they were grateful to hear the camp would not reopen this year. Cile is the only victim whose body has not yet been found. The Stewards previously asked the camp to halt its plan to reopen.

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said that after hearing testimony from grieving parents this week, he was glad to hear that the Eastlands withdrew their application. The decision gave time for investigations to conclude, he said. Gov. Greg Abbott said that the Texas Department of State Health Services would continue investigating the camp’s flood response and publish its findings as soon as possible.

Dig deeper: Read Lauren Canterberry’s report on the camp’s previous statement that it would reopen.