Camp Mystic, the Texas summer camp where a devastating flood last year claimed the lives of 27 children, counselors, and the camp’s executive director, may be denied a license to reopen this summer after state health officials found its emergency plans inadequate under new safety regulations.

The Texas Department of State Health Services recently conducted a review of the camp’s emergency preparedness documents and identified more than 20 areas where the submitted plans were incomplete, insufficient, or entirely missing. Among the deficiencies are unclear mapping of cabin locations relative to flood plains and floodways, absence of a federal emergency management agency flood plain map, and inadequate evacuation procedures for flash floods. The review also highlighted insufficient plans addressing emergencies such as wildfires, severe injuries, and epidemics.

Following the July 2025 flooding that killed 27 people at Camp Mystic, including Executive Director Dick Eastland, Texas lawmakers enacted a series of stricter summer camp safety laws last fall. The legislation now requires camps to install emergency warning systems, conduct mandatory safety training, distribute emergency plans to families, and develop comprehensive evacuation strategies.

Despite the issues noted, Camp Mystic has expressed its commitment to addressing the deficiencies outlined by the state. The camp has 45 days to revise and resubmit its emergency plan for reconsideration. Camp officials said their priority remains the safety and well-being of campers, and they aim to continue their century-long mission of providing a Christian camping experience for girls.

The camp had planned a partial reopening in late May at a nearby site, rather than the original location where the tragedy occurred. This decision has been met with criticism, particularly from families of victims and community members. More than 800 girls have signed up to attend this summer, according to the camp.

Legal and political challenges continue as families of victims pursue lawsuits alleging negligence. The parents of 8-year-old Cile Steward, whose body has yet to be recovered, are among those suing the Eastland family, who own and operate Camp Mystic. Their attorneys have condemned the camp’s lack of a compliant evacuation plan during the fatal flood and expressed concerns over the camp’s readiness to oversee children this year.

Additionally, complaints regarding Camp Mystic’s operations during the 2025 season prompted requests for a Texas Rangers investigation. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has called for the camp’s license to be withheld until criminal and legislative probes are complete, emphasizing the need for safety as a priority.

The flooding last year resulted in approximately 140 deaths across the Texas Hill Country. State lawmakers are scheduled to hold hearings next week to review the flood response, and some recently toured Camp Mystic as part of their inquiry. Meanwhile, a state district judge has ordered that flood-affected camp structures remain untouched to preserve evidence for ongoing investigations.