Camp Mystic flooding turned a peaceful summer camp into a scene of fear and heartbreak. On July 3, 2025, heavy rain hit Central Texas. The Guadalupe River rose fast, flooding parts of Kerr County.
Camp Mystic, a well-known girls’ summer camp in Hunt, Texas, was hit hard. Cabins were swept away. Lives were lost. Families are still waiting for news.
This blog covers what happened during the Camp Mystic flooding, who was affected, and what rescue crews are doing now. It also looks at how the community is coming together in this hard time.
What Happened During the Camp Mystic Flooding?
On the night of July 3, powerful storms moved across the Texas Hill Country. Rainfall reached 6 to 12 inches in some places. The Guadalupe River, which runs beside Camp Mystic, rose by 20 to 26 feet in under an hour.
Camp Mystic flooding caught everyone by surprise. Girls were asleep in cabins when the river rushed in. Many were trapped. Some cabins were swept away. Others flooded too fast to escape.
The flood came without warning. Officials had issued a flood watch but did not expect the river to rise so fast. The camp sits in a low-lying area. That made it a target for flash floods.
Camp Mystic: A Long History of Summer Fun
Camp Mystic has been around since 1926. It is a private Christian summer camp for girls. Hundreds of campers come every year for sports, crafts, music, and Bible study. It’s a place where families have sent daughters for generations.
This year, over 750 girls were attending Camp Mystic. The flood hit during a regular summer session. Most girls were between the ages of 8 and 16. The camp is popular across Texas, especially in cities like Dallas, Austin, and Houston.
The site has cabins, dining halls, and open fields. All of it sits near the river. That made the camp both beautiful and risky.
Casualties and Missing Campers
Camp Mystic flooding caused major loss. As of July 5, 24 people have died in the region. Among them are children and staff members from the camp. Many more were injured.
At least 23 girls from Camp Mystic are still missing. Families are waiting for answers. Some girls were rescued by helicopter, but others are still unaccounted for.
Photos of missing campers like Hadley Hanna, Lila Bonner, and Eloise Peck have been shared widely. Their families continue to hope for good news.
Rescue Efforts in Full Force
As soon as the flooding began, rescue teams rushed in. The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and the Texas National Guard joined forces. They used boats, drones, and 14 helicopters to find survivors.
So far, over 230 people have been rescued from flood areas. Helicopters pulled several girls from trees and rooftops. Others were found in cabins that stayed above water.
Rescue teams are still working. They’re using dogs, sonar tools, and heat sensors to find missing campers. Every hour counts. The search continues day and night.
Why the Flood Was So Fast
Texas Hill Country is known as “Flash Flood Alley.” The rocky ground doesn’t soak up rain well. That means water runs off fast, especially after strong storms.
In this case, the rain came quickly and in large amounts. The Guadalupe River overflowed its banks in minutes. Roads, bridges, and campgrounds were underwater before most people could respond.
Many in the area didn’t have time to move to higher ground. The speed and power of the flood surprised even trained rescue workers.
Warnings and Weather Alerts
Before the flood, the National Weather Service had issued a flood watch. But it wasn’t enough. The water rose too fast for many to escape.
After the disaster, more warnings went out. Officials told people to avoid rivers and low areas. Flash flood watches stayed active for hours.
Authorities also warned people not to enter floodwaters. Several bystanders tried to help on their own but needed to rescue themselves.
How the Community Is Responding
The Camp Mystic flooding has shocked the state. People across Texas are sending support. Prayer vigils have been held in towns like Highland Park and Kerrville. Churches opened their doors for families of the missing.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of disaster. That allows faster aid and more resources for search and rescue. He also thanked local crews for their quick response.
Parents are posting online, asking for prayers and updates. Schools, churches, and businesses are collecting supplies and donations. The support is strong, even from those who have no ties to the camp.
What’s Next for Camp Mystic and the Families
Right now, the focus is on rescue and recovery. Crews will keep searching until every missing camper is found. The work may take days. It may even stretch into next week.
After that, there will be questions. Did Camp Mystic have enough warning? Could more have been done to protect the campers? Should flood safety plans be changed for camps near rivers?
Camp Mystic has not yet shared full details. The owners are working with state officials and rescue teams. They’ve also asked for privacy while they focus on their campers and staff.
More Rain May Be Coming
The danger may not be over. Weather reports warn of more rain in the region. The ground is soaked, so even light rain could cause more flooding.
Officials are watching river levels closely. People living near rivers and creeks are urged to stay alert. Rescue teams remain on call.
Camp Mystic and other riverside camps will likely stay closed until conditions are safe again.
Final Thoughts
Camp Mystic flooding is one of the worst natural disasters to hit a summer camp in years. The river rose fast. The damage was great. Lives were lost. Families are still searching for loved ones.
This is a time of sadness, but also of strength. Rescue workers are giving their all. Families are holding on to hope. The community is stepping up with support.
As the search continues, many will ask how this happened. But right now, the focus is clear: find the missing and help those who need it most.
FAQs
What caused the Camp Mystic flooding in Texas?
Heavy rain and fast river rise caused flash flooding in Kerr County near Camp Mystic.
How many campers are missing from Camp Mystic?
At least 23 girls were still missing as of July 5, 2025.
What is Camp Mystic?
It’s a girls-only Christian summer camp in Hunt, Texas, founded in 1926.
Who is responding to the Camp Mystic flooding?
Local police, Game Wardens, the Texas National Guard, and rescue teams are on site.
Is Camp Mystic closed after the flood?
Yes. The camp is closed during rescue and recovery efforts.
