Camp Mystic Proposes Bankruptcy Sale of Flood-Hit Texas Camp

The owners of Camp Mystic, the century-old private Christian girls' camp in Texas, have filed a Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization plan that would auction off the property and other assets. The filing, submitted on Sept. 25, proposes selling the 749 acres (3 square kilometers) of riverfront land, with an expressed preference for a buyer who would maintain the camp's "historic mission."

The campus sits among wooded hills along the Guadalupe River and includes single-story cabins that housed some of the youngest campers, along with a recreation hall near the water. A second campus on higher ground was not flooded.

The Eastland family, which has owned the camp for decades, initially sought to reopen it this summer. Those plans met fierce opposition from victims' families, state lawmakers, lawsuits and legislative investigations into the disaster.

On July 4, 2025, the river surged over its banks before dawn, killing 25 campers and two counselors. Camp owner and director Richard Eastland was also among the dead. At least 136 people were killed along a several-mile stretch of the river.

A buyer would likely acquire a portion of the camp frozen in time. Families of the victims have fought in their lawsuits to halt demolition of damaged cabins and buildings and to stop repairs.

The bankruptcy plan states that the owners expect a purchaser to be backed by a group of families that support the camp. "Nothing in the plan requires any buyer to operate the property as a camp, but the plan states an express preference, in determining the highest or otherwise best bid, for a buyer that will maintain the historic mission of the camp," the filing says.

Earlier this month, state police investigators sought search warrants for the electronic communications of the camp's owners, saying the records could provide evidence of manslaughter, negligent homicide, child abandonment or other crimes. No charges have been brought.

A legislative probe found that the camp's young and inexperienced counselors were not trained for floods and other emergencies, and that an earlier evacuation decision could have saved every life. Most of the victims were under age 10, and some were attending camp for the first time.

The plan requires approval from U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher M. Lopez. All creditors, including families who have sued over the deaths, will have an opportunity to respond.

"The Eastlands are now attempting to determine the future of the Camp Mystic property, but the victims' families including my clients, will fight to protect their rights and ensure any sale is fair and transparent," said Tim Ferguson, an attorney for the family of 8-year-old Mary Grace Baker, one of the campers who died. "The Bakers intend to continue fighting for answers, accountability and justice for their daughter."

Camp Mystic officials did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment on Monday.