Camp Mystic pulls plan to reopen this summer after backlash from grieving families

Camp Mystic announced Thursday it will not reopen its facility for the summer 2026 season, marking a major shift in recovery plans following a catastrophic flood that killed 27 people last year.  

The camp's decision to drop its bid to reopen in May comes just days after the director broke down in a tearful apology at a state hearing that drew an outcry from lawmakers and grieving families over the effort to resume operations, according to the Associated Press (AP).

In a statement, leaders said they would rather not pursue another season than risk causing further harm to the affected families. 

"No administrative process or summer season should move forward while families continue to grieve," the camp said. 

They further expressed their sympathy for everyone impacted by last year's disaster, adding that they understand there is nothing they can do to reverse the damage or ease the pain caused.  

"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. 

Owners of the camp previously said they hoped to reopen in late May, expecting 900 attendees, and were planning to use only parts of the facility that did not flood, The AP reported.

The plans subsequently sparked significant outrage from victims' families and some prominent officials, who urged regulators to deny the camp's license, which was under review by the Texas Department of State Health Services.

They further pressed the directors on whether they were truly prepared, citing state regulators' findings that alleged 22 deficiencies in the camp's emergency plan.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.