Camp Mystic Faces Closure Unless Safety Failures Are Fixed Within 45 Days

Camp Mystic must address significant safety deficiencies within 45 days or its operating license will not be renewed, potentially preventing its summer opening. This directive follows a devastating 2025 flood at its Kerr County site.

On July 4, 2025, a flood at Camp Mystic's Kerr County location resulted in the deaths of 25 girls, two counselors, and the camp owner. This tragedy led to scrutiny of the camp's emergency preparedness and operational safety protocols.

State officials have since mandated Camp Mystic correct safety failures to regain its operating license. These deficiencies include an insufficient emergency warning system, the absence of a floodplain map detailing cabin locations, and a flawed fire evacuation plan. Camp officials, including a camp director, testified to not seeing official weather warnings, not convening staff meetings about potential flooding, and lacking a detailed written flood evacuation plan. Furthermore, the camp's medical officer acknowledged not officially reporting the deaths to the state health agency within the required 24-hour window.

Camp Mystic stated its priority is camper safety and expressed its aim to continue its nearly century-long mission of providing a Christian camping experience for girls. The camp faces a critical 45-day deadline to implement the required safety improvements. Failure to do so will prevent its operation for the upcoming summer season.

All eyes are now on Camp Mystic's response to these mandates as the 45-day deadline approaches, determining its future operational status and the potential impact on its long-standing mission.