Camp Mystic appeals judge's order halting property work

Owners of the Hill Country camp fight court ruling that banned changes to Guadalupe River site

Mar. 26, 2026 at 11:34pm

Lawyers for the owners of Camp Mystic in the Texas Hill Country are appealing a judge's ruling that banned them from making any changes to their property along the Guadalupe River. The camp's operators say the order is unfair and are fighting it in court.

Why it matters

The dispute over Camp Mystic highlights the ongoing tensions between private property rights and environmental conservation efforts along the Guadalupe River, a popular recreational area in the Hill Country. The case could set a precedent for how development is regulated in sensitive natural areas.

The details

A judge recently issued a temporary restraining order that prohibited Camp Mystic's owners from making any changes to their property, including construction, landscaping, or other alterations. The camp's lawyers have now filed an appeal, arguing the order is overly broad and unfairly prevents them from maintaining their existing facilities.

  • The judge's temporary restraining order was issued on March 15, 2026.
  • Camp Mystic's lawyers filed their appeal on March 23, 2026.

The players

Camp Mystic

A family-owned summer camp located along the Guadalupe River in the Texas Hill Country.

Guadalupe River

A popular recreational river that flows through the Texas Hill Country region.

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What they’re saying

“We must be allowed to maintain our existing facilities and make reasonable improvements to serve our campers. This order goes too far in restricting our property rights.”

— Camp Mystic Spokesperson

What’s next

The appeal will be heard by a higher court in the coming weeks, which will determine if the judge's order should be upheld or modified.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing private property rights with environmental protection, especially in sensitive natural areas like the Texas Hill Country that are popular for recreation and tourism.