The True Cost Of Camp Mystic: 5 Financial Factors That Determine Your Daughter’s 2026 Summer Tuition

Planning for a summer at Camp Mystic, the prestigious Christian girls' camp nestled on the Guadalupe River in the Texas Hill Country, involves more than just selecting a session date; it requires a deep understanding of the total financial investment. As of December 14, 2025, with the camp planning its highly anticipated reopening for the 2026 summer season, the structure of attendance is shifting, and parents need a clear, updated breakdown of costs to budget effectively.

The tuition for Camp Mystic is widely considered a significant investment, reflecting its legacy, extensive facilities, and high-quality programming. While official 2026 rates for the newly structured sessions are often released directly to returning families first, current estimates and recent historical data place the total cost well into the thousands, depending primarily on the length of stay.

Camp Mystic At-a-Glance: A Profile of the Texas Girls' Camp

Camp Mystic is a private, non-denominational Christian summer camp exclusively for girls. It is one of the most storied and sought-after summer experiences in the United States, known for its deep traditions, focus on character development, and exclusive clientele.

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• Name: Camp Mystic for Girls
• Location: Hunt, Texas (Kerr County, Texas Hill Country)
• Founded: 1926
• Type: Private, Christian Girls' Summer Camp
• Campus Size: Set on a 725-acre campus along the Guadalupe River.
• Owners/Directors: Owned by the Agnes and George R. 'Dick' Eastland family for generations.
• Camper Eligibility: Girls are eligible to attend the summer after they complete the 2nd grade.
• 2026 Session Update: The camp plans to reopen for the 2026 season, offering six 10-day camp sessions at its elevated Cypress Lake section.
• Core Activities: Horseback riding, swimming, archery, water sports, tennis, riflery, arts and crafts, and tribal competitions.

1. The Base Tuition: Estimating the 2026 Session Cost

The core tuition fee is the largest component of the total cost and is directly tied to the session length. Historically, Camp Mystic offered longer, more traditional sessions (3-week and 4-week terms). However, for the 2026 reopening, the camp has announced a shift to six shorter sessions.

The New 10-Day Session Estimate

For the 2026 summer, Camp Mystic is planning to host six 10-day sessions. While the official price for this new, shorter format is not publicly released, we can estimate the cost based on the camp's average weekly rate, which has been cited at approximately $1,900 per week.

• Estimated 10-Day Session Cost (2026): Based on a $1,900/week average, a 10-day session (approx. 1.4 weeks) could cost roughly $2,600 to $3,500+. This estimate is highly speculative and should be confirmed with the camp directly.

Historical Session Cost Range (For Comparison)

To understand the high-end investment, parents often look at the cost of the camp's previous longer sessions:

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• 3-Week Session (Recent Estimate): Roughly $7,000.
• 4-Week Session (Recent Estimate): While some estimates are as high as $10,500–$12,000, official fees for a 30-day session have been cited closer to $4,375, with additional fees pushing the total toward $5,000. This wide range highlights the importance of the incidentals and optional costs.

The base tuition is comprehensive, covering all major expenses. This includes the camper's lodging in classic cabins, all meals, and participation in the wide array of activities offered, such as horseback riding, swimming, and archery.

2. Mandatory Upfront Fees: The Deposit and Application

Before the full tuition payment is due, there are mandatory upfront fees that secure a spot for the camper. Given the camp’s high demand and limited enrollment, these deposits are essential for admission.

• Camper Application Deposit: Each camper application requires a deposit, which is typically $300 to $400.
• Deposit Status: This deposit is generally applied toward the total tuition fee upon acceptance, or in some cases, it may be fully refundable if the application is withdrawn before a specific deadline.

This initial deposit is the first step in the financial commitment and is often non-negotiable for new and returning campers alike. It is a critical component of the total cost of attendance.

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3. Incidentals and Commissary (Canteen) Charges

Beyond the base tuition, parents must budget for "incidentals," which are mandatory fees that cover minor expenses during the camp session. At Camp Mystic, these costs are typically managed through a Canteen deposit.

What the Incidentals Charge Covers:

The incidentals charge is designed to create a cashless environment for the campers and typically covers:

• Laundry Expenses: All laundry is handled by the camp and is included in this fee.
• Commissary Snacks (Canteen): Treats and small items purchased from the camp store.
• Tribe Dues: Small fees associated with the camp's traditional "tribe" system.
• Medical Fee: A set charge to cover basic medical needs and on-site care.
• Miscellaneous Expenses: This can include items like cabin pictures or toiletries.

Parents are asked to provide a Canteen deposit, and the unused portion of this money is refunded at the end of the session. While an exact dollar amount for the deposit is not always public, it is a variable cost that requires careful budgeting, as some campers may spend more on souvenirs or tribe-related gear.

4. Optional Costs: Uniforms, Equipment, and Travel

Unlike some other elite camps, Camp Mystic does not require an extensive, costly uniform. This is a significant factor in reducing the total financial burden.

• Uniform Requirement: Uniforms are generally NOT required, except for a tradition of wearing white outfits on Sundays. This means parents only need to purchase a few simple white garments, rather than a full set of branded gear.
• Personal Equipment: Campers are generally required to bring their own bedding, towels, and personal items. The packing list is extensive but focuses on standard clothing, a trunk, and a duffel bag.
• Travel Expenses: The cost of transportation to and from the Hunt, Texas location is the responsibility of the family. This can be a major expense for families traveling from outside Texas or from international locations.

Savvy parents can significantly manage their total spending by utilizing existing wardrobe items and carefully planning travel logistics, especially for multiple campers.

5. Access and Affordability: Scholarships and Financial Aid

While Camp Mystic is a high-priced, private camp, there are avenues for financial support, though they are not as prominently advertised as at non-profit camps.

• Scholarship Funds: The camp community has established scholarship funds, such as the Hill Country Angels Scholarship, which are designed to support youth programs and potentially offer financial assistance to campers.
• Need-Based Aid: The camp's private nature means that need-based financial aid programs are often managed internally and are not part of a standardized public application process. Interested parents should contact the camp administration directly to inquire about any available tuition assistance programs or payment plans.

The true cost of attending Camp Mystic is a multi-faceted figure, starting with a base tuition that reflects the camp's premium experience and extending to smaller, yet essential, incidentals. For the 2026 season, parents should anticipate a total investment that is commensurate with the camp's reputation as a premier, tradition-rich summer destination in the Texas Hill Country.