Nearly one year after catastrophic flooding devastated the Texas Hill Country, most of the region’s summer camps have welcomed campers back, marking a significant milestone in the area’s long recovery.
Roughly 15 camps in the Hunt and Kerrville area reopened for the 2026 summer season after months of repairs, inspections and updated emergency planning. Camp operators have implemented stronger evacuation procedures, enhanced communication systems, and revised flood response plans following one of the deadliest natural disasters in modern Texas history.
Camp Mystic remains closed
One notable exception is Camp Mystic.
The historic girls’ camp, where 28 campers and staff members died during the July 4, 2025, flood, did not reopen for its 100th season. The camp withdrew its application to operate earlier this year and has since filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy while facing dozens of wrongful death and negligence lawsuits.
One child still missing
The tragedy continues to have a lasting impact on families and the Hill Country community. One camper, 8-year-old Cecilia “Cile” Steward, remains the only person still officially listed as missing nearly a year after the flood.
The disaster claimed nearly 140 lives across Central Texas after torrential rainfall sent the Guadalupe River surging to historic levels within hours. The flooding prompted statewide reviews of emergency warning systems, evacuation procedures and safety regulations for youth camps located in flood-prone areas.
New safety standards
Texas has since strengthened oversight of licensed summer camps, requiring more comprehensive emergency preparedness plans and additional safety measures designed to better protect campers during severe weather events.
Meanwhile, recovery efforts continue throughout Kerr County. New housing developments are being built for flood survivors, infrastructure repairs remain underway and community organizations have distributed tens of millions of dollars in recovery assistance to affected families.
Looking ahead
As children return to camp this summer, many residents say the reopening represents an important step toward healing. But for families who lost loved ones, the anniversary serves as a reminder that while the camps may be open again, the recovery from the Hill Country floods is far from complete.
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