Camp Mystic Is Reopening Next Summer, Sparking Outrage as the Search Is Still Underway for Missing Campers

Camp Mystic is set to reopen one of its locations following deadly Texas floods this summer, though some families have expressed concern as not all of the victims’ bodies have been recovered. 

According to letters sent directly to families and obtained by CBS News and KHOU 11 News on Tuesday, Sept. 22, Camp Mystic Cypress Lake will reopen.

The location is in close proximity to Camp Mystic Guadalupe, where “catastrophic” flooding and heavy overnight rains led to the deaths of 27 campers and counselors at the Christian girls-only summer camp on July 4.

Ten days later on July 14, the Hill County death toll stood at 132 people, with more than 100 still missing months later.

Details shared by KHOU11 News added that Camp Mystic Guadalupe sustained too much damage to reopen for summer 2026.

“We are writing today to share some updates related to Camp and the next summer season. Thank you so much for your love, support and patience with us during this unprecedented time. We have prayed about next summer daily,” an excerpt of the letter sent to Camp Mystic families read, per the news station.

The letters reportedly added that a memorial would be “dedicated to the lives of the campers and counselors lost on July 4th.”

“​​We hope this space will serve as a place of reflection and remembrance of these beautiful girls. We continue to pray for the grieving families and all those who lost loved ones,” it continued. 

Camp Mystic sent the letters out on Monday, Sept. 22 in two separate emails to “families of the girls who died, and one to a much broader group of past campers and their families,” the New York Times reported. 

Past campers were reportedly told, “We are not only rebuilding cabins and trails, but also a place where laughter, friendship and spiritual growth will continue to flourish. We look forward to welcoming you back inside the green gates.”

However, the families of the deceased claim they were left out of the loop and had no heads-up regarding any plans for a memorial. 

Blake Bonner, the father of Lila Bonner, 9,  said relatives “were not consulted about and did not approve this memorial,” per the Times.

Cici Steward, whose 8-year-old child Cile Steward remains missing, added, “The truth is, Camp Mystic failed our daughters.”

“Recovery teams are still out there, scouring the river, risking and sacrificing so much to find her so we can finally lay her to rest. For their efforts, we are eternally grateful,” Cici added. “Camp Mystic, however, has only added to our grief.”

“For my family, these months have felt like an eternity. For the camp, it seems like nothing more than a brief pause before business as usual,” the statement said. “Camp Mystic is pressing ahead with reopening, even if it means inviting girls to swim in the same river that may potentially still hold my daughter’s body.”

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Per KHOU11 News, Camp Mystic officials have said they will put additional safety measures in place following the deadly incident. 

“Our planning and procedures will reflect the catastrophic 1,000-year weather event that occurred on July 4, including never having campers return to cabins that had floodwaters inside them,” a portion of their statement reportedly read. “And, as at Camp Mystic Cypress Lake, our plans will comply with the requirements of the new camp safety legislation.”