Historic Flooding Hits Central Texas
On July 10-11, 2025, central Texas experienced some of the worst flooding in recent decades, as torrential rains overwhelmed riverbanks and forced thousands of residents to evacuate. The Llano and Guadalupe Rivers rose rapidly, submerging roads, homes, and camps along their banks. Among the hardest-hit locations was Camp Mystic, a century-old summer camp near Hunt, Texas, located on the South Fork of the Guadalupe River.
How the Floods Unfolded
The flooding began after nearly 15 inches of rain fell over a 36-hour period in the Hill Country. National Weather Service radar showed training thunderstorms repeatedly passing over the same areas, causing flash flood warnings across Kerr and Gillespie counties. The Guadalupe River quickly overflowed, reaching flood stage by the early morning of July 11. Emergency services activated swift-water rescue teams to evacuate campers, residents, and staff from low-lying areas.
Floodwaters crested at 27 feet in Hunt, inundating multiple popular campgrounds and outdoor venues. Power outages, road closures, and hazardous debris complicated rescue and recovery operations.
Why Camp Mystic Was at Risk
Camp Mystic, founded in 1926, is situated in a bend of the Guadalupe River and has long been a cherished site for summer activities. However, its proximity to the river, coupled with limited elevation and aged infrastructure, made it particularly vulnerable during flash flood events. Hydrologists have noted that the camp is located within the FEMA-designated 100-year floodplain, an area statistically likely to flood at least once every century—but with climate change, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent.
- Low Elevation: The majority of camp facilities are built just above the riverbank, offering little natural protection from rising waters.
- Insufficient Barriers: The camp lacks substantial levees or floodwalls, leaving it exposed to surging river levels.
- Access Challenges: The single main road into the camp can become impassable during high water, complicating evacuation efforts.
In recent years, local officials and environmental experts have warned that camps and homes along the Guadalupe are increasingly at risk as rainfall patterns intensify. The 2025 floods underscore the urgent need for updated risk assessments and flood mitigation strategies across the region.
Looking Ahead: Lessons and Recovery
While no fatalities were reported at Camp Mystic, the camp sustained significant property damage and faces an uncertain future. Emergency management officials are now reviewing safety protocols for camps throughout the Hill Country to ensure better preparedness for future disasters.
As Texas begins the recovery process, the focus remains on rebuilding safely, reassessing floodplain management, and adapting to the realities of a changing climate. The events at Camp Mystic serve as a sobering reminder of the importance of location and preparedness in the face of increasingly severe weather events.
