Camp Mystic 2026 closure draws response from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott

Camp Mystic, a Texas summer camp where 27 young girls and camp counselors died during a 2025 flood, will not be reopening this summer, with the state's governor saying the investigation into the camp continues.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott released a statement confirming that Camp Mystic had withdrawn its application to reopen this summer.

"Our hearts are with the families who lost loved ones and those recovering from last year's devastating Fourth of July floods,” said Abbott in a statement. "The DSHS continues working with the Texas Rangers to investigate Camp Mystic. The results of that investigation will be made public as soon as possible."

The camp's 2026 summer closure, reported Thursday, April 30, comes after Texas State lawmakers heard two days of heartwrenching testimony from flooding event investigators, who determined the loss of life could have been avoided. Family members of those who were killed are imploring the state not to allow the camp to reopen this summer.

Days before the hearings, the camp filed its application to renew its license and reopen this summer, sending shockwaves through Texas. As the Texas Tribune reported, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) found the application was missing information in 22 categories. It gave the camp 45 days to make the needed corrections.

The application was another point of contention; among others, lawmakers grilled the owners during the April 29 hearings in Austin, asking whether they were truly ready to welcome campers back.

Is Camp Mystic closed for good?

State lawmakers hinted during this week's hearing that they wanted Camp Mystic to continue, but not with the current owners.

The camp also sent a letter to Camp Mystic families scheduled to return this year, informing them of the closure, but it did not indicate whether this would be the end of the camp.

"We recognize that our broader community continues to grieve a profound loss, and that many families continue to carry unimaginable pain," read the letter. "In this moment, we believe stepping back is the right and responsible decision for the 2026 camp season."

USA TODAY reporter Michael Loria contributed to this story.

Mateo Rosiles is the Texas Connect reporter for USA TODAY and its regional papers in Texas. Got a news tip for him? Email him at [email protected].