Camp Mystic, Hunt Texas – History, Flood Impact & Travel Guide

Camp Mystic is a historic all​girls Christian summer camp located along the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Kerr County, Texas. Founded in 1926 and approaching its 100th anniversary, it’s famed for character building, spiritual growth, and scenic Hill Country setting.

Table of Contents

• Camp Mystic History & Founding
• Location, Facilities & Activities
• July 2025 Flood & Missing Campers
• Emergency Response & Safety
• What Camp Mystic Offers – Camper Experience
• Visitor Info & Travel Tips – Guadalupe River Area
• Hill Country Flood Safety & Preparedness
• Conclusion

1. Camp Mystic History & Founding

Camp Mystic was founded in 1926 by Edward James “Doc” Stewart, a former University of Texas football coach, on a beautiful site along the Guadalupe River. Built among native cypress, pecan, and live oak trees, it has been operated almost continually, except 1943–1945, when it served as a convalescent camp for WWII Army Air Corps veterans.

Originally running a single eight​week session, Camp Mystic expanded over the decades to offer multiple two​and four​week summer sessions, welcoming girls aged 7–17.

“A cherished Hill Country tradition for Texas families, fostering self​esteem, spiritual growth, outdoor skill and lifelong friendships for nearly 100 years.”

1.1. Historical Significance & Elite Alumni

• Daughters and granddaughters of Texas governors (Dan Moody, Price Daniel, John Connally) and President Lyndon B. Johnson attended.
• Future First Lady Laura Bush served as a counselor while a SMU student.
• Campers have gone on to high-level careers: executives, professional dancers, franchise owners, dedicated philanthropists.

2. Location, Facilities & Activities

Located in the Texas Hill Country, Camp Mystic sits at 2689 Highway 39, Hunt, Texas 78024. The terrain is forest​lined with river access, cabins, dining hall, infirmary, and recreational hall.

2.1. Facilities

• Cabins with indoor bathrooms, open-air layouts, and best views along “Senior Hill” and riverbanks.
• Rec Hall (built 1927), Harrison Hall dining facility, Heaven Can Wait infirmary.
• Well​maintained trails, riverfront, archery ranges, arts & crafts studios, theatre stage, equestrian arena, lakeside docks.

2.2. Activities Offered

Over 30 activities grouped into:

• Outdoor & River Skills: Archery, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, fishing, riflery.
• Sports & Team Games: Basketball, soccer, lacrosse, yoga.
• Creative Arts & Self-Expression: Drama, chorus, dance, drawing, journalism, cooking, guitar.
• Equestrian & Hunter Safety: Horseback riding, hunter education.

Each session blends faith, skill, friendship, and fun in a Christian atmosphere.

3. July 2025 Flood & Missing Campers

On July 4, 2025, the Guadalupe River saw nearly a foot of rain in under 24 hours. The river rose 22–26 feet in under two hours—submerging cabins and washing away roads.

The flash flood occurred early morning July 4; at the time, Camp Mystic had approximately 750 campers. About 750 campers – more than 20 girls were unaccounted for as water surged suddenly.

3.1 Casualty & Missing Report

• Fatalities linked to area floods: 13–24 across Kerr County. Camp Mystic itself saw at least 13 deaths.
• 23 to 25 campers went missing, primarily younger girls in cabins near riverbanks.
• Rescue operations evacuated 237 total—167 by helicopter.

3.2 Camp Damage Overview

The camp infrastructure was heavily damaged: cabins washed away, riverbanks eroded, roads destroyed, power and Wi​Fi lost.

4. Rescue Operations & Safety Response

State and federal agencies including Texas Game Wardens, National Guard, and emergency services deployed helicopters and boats to rescue campers from elevated grounds and riverbanks.

Governor Greg Abbott declared disaster relief, and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick urged prayer and vigilance during press briefings.

4.1 Evacuation Centers & Parent Reunification

• Ingram school used as reunification hub – anxious families waited for camper arrivals.
• Email updates from camp stated: “If you have not been contacted, your child is accounted for.”

5. What Camp Mystic Offers – Camper Experience

Generations of campers describe Camp Mystic as a place to build self​esteem, foster friendships, grow spiritually, and gain independence through structured outdoor fun.

5.1 Counselor & Alumni Reflections

“Mystic is such a special place… cabins literally got washed away.” – former counselor Chloe Crane.

5.2 Activity Highlights & Camper Growth

• Football​style teamwork (Doc Stewart legacy).
• Pride in individual arts – drama, crafts, music, theatre.
• Outdoor adventure – zip​line ropes, hiking trails, lakeside fun.
• Christian values – devotionals, character journals, group worship.

6. Visitor Info & Travel Tips – Guadalupe River Area

6.1 How to Reach Camp Mystic

Address: 2689 Hwy 39, Hunt, Kerr County, Texas 78024.

6.2 Nearby Cities & Accommodations

• Kerrville, TX: ~12 miles northwest; offers hotels, RV parks, visitor services.
• Ingram, TX: Reunification site, small-town amenities.
• Fredericksburg, TX: ~45 miles east; tourism, dining, Hill Country wine trail.

6.3 Hill Country Visitor Tips

• Check weather: Summer storms common; always plan for flash floods.
• Stay elevated: Choose accommodations on hills or safe zones.
• Travel insurance: Ensure coverage for natural disaster cancellations.
• Pack essentials: River​safe shoes, rain gear, first​aid kit, flashlight, water bottle.

7. Hill Country Flood Safety & Preparedness

Hill Country is notorious for “flash flood alley”: thin soils and steep watersheds make heavy rain turn into dangerous floods fast.

7.1 Early Warnings & Planning

• Follow National Weather Service alerts – Hill Country can skyrocket 22+ ft
• Identify high​ground evacuation routes (e.g. Senior Hill)
• Never camp in river bottoms during monsoon season

7.2 What to Do if Flood Hits

1. Move uphill immediately
2. Hold onto stable structures or rope handles in groups
3. Await rescue – do not attempt swimming or driving in floodwater
4. Call 911, stay calm, keep campers together

9. Conclusion

Camp Mystic in Hunt, TX is much more than an outdoor getaway—it’s nearly 100 years of spiritual, personal, and outdoor growth tradition. The floods of July 4–5, 2025 brought tragedy but also showed the strength of the community and rescue services. As plans to rebuild begin, awareness of Hill Country flood risks and safety can help future campers and families make informed decisions.

If you’re researching Texas summer camps for girls, planning a Hill Country trip, or want safety tips for flash​flood prone areas—this guide covers all angles.