Camp Mystic sets 2026 dates; families condemn plan

Camp Mystic announced its 2026 session dates this week, nearly six months after the catastrophic July 4 floods that killed 25 campers, two teenage counselors and the camp director at its Guadalupe River site. One camper’s body has still not been found.

In a letter sent to families and alumni, the camp said it will open its Cypress Lake location, which was undamaged by the floods. The Guadalupe River site will remain closed for the 2026 season.

Six 10-day terms will run from May 30 through Aug. 9. Enrollment has not yet opened.

In the letter, the camp pledged to “not only meet but exceed” new safety standards set forth by the recently passed Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act.

Improvements will include high-capacity generators, four river flood-warning monitors connected to a regional network, two-way radios that will receive NOAA weather alerts in every cabin.

Grieving families speak out

The reopening plan drew sharp condemnation from families of some victims.

“The fact of the matter is that this camp has taken no responsibility for its failures and instead is focusing on increasing revenue for next summer, while a child is still missing,” the response reads. “It is business as usual for Camp Mystic — profits over safety.”

The families of several girls who died have sued the camp and the Eastland family, who own Camp Mystic.