Camp Mystic withdraws application for 2026 camp license, will not reopen

Camp Mystic has made the decision to withdraw its application for a summer 2026 camp license, meaning it will not reopen this season, according to a news release by camp representatives on Thursday. 

This comes on the heels of the first public hearing over last summer’s Fourth of July floods that killed more than 100 people across the Hill Country, including 27 girls at Camp Mystic. 

Camp Mystic’s owners wanted to reopen in late May, saying they would only use the parts of the camp that didn’t flood. They expected nearly 900 attendees. 

Those plans angered victims’ families, and some prominent state officials called for regulators to deny or delay renewal of the camp’s license, which had been under review by the Texas Department of State Health Services. 

In a statement, Camp Mystic said its decision was out of respect for grieving families and hopes it removes any doubt that they hadn’t acknowledged the concerns that were heard during testimony. Operators also extended their condolences by sharing their love for each camper who lost their life in the devastating floods. 

“Twenty-eight precious lives were lost. We recognize that no statement and no decision can undo that loss or ease the burden carried each day by parents, siblings, loved ones, survivors, first responders and our beautiful Kerr County community.  We also recognize that over 800 girls want to return to Camp Mystic Cypress Lake this summer. Our special bond with our Camp Mystic families does not change or end with the announcement,” the statement read. 

This is a developing story.