More than 300 campers were safely evacuated from Camp Eagle on Saturday, July 18, after floodwaters washed out the camp’s main access road during ongoing flooding in the Texas Hill Country.
Camp Eagle is a Christian youth camp and outdoor adventure retreat located near Rocksprings in Real County. Situated on approximately 1,400 acres along the Nueces River, the camp hosts hundreds of children and teenagers each summer, along with church groups, retreats and outdoor leadership programs throughout the year.
Approximately 325 campers were moved to safety after Real County Judge Bella Rubio requested the evacuation when heavy rainfall left the camp’s primary entrance impassable. The operation was carried out by Texas Department of Public Safety troopers from the South Texas Region, the Center Point Volunteer Fire Department and numerous local emergency responders working together to ensure every camper was safely removed.
No injuries were reported during the evacuation.
With the camp’s main access road cut off by rising water, officials determined that evacuating campers was the safest course of action before weather conditions had the opportunity to worsen. Emergency personnel coordinated transportation and safely moved hundreds of children in an orderly manner despite the challenges created by flood-damaged roads.
The successful operation highlights the importance of emergency preparedness and the coordinated response of state and local agencies during severe weather.
The evacuation also reflects the heightened focus on summer camp safety following the devastating Texas Hill Country flooding last year. Emergency officials across the state have placed increased emphasis on acting quickly whenever camps or recreational facilities are threatened by rising water or damaged infrastructure.
While floodwaters washed out Camp Eagle’s access road, the most important outcome was that every camper made it out safely.
As Texas continues to experience periods of heavy rainfall and flash flooding, the successful evacuation serves as a reminder that preparation, communication and teamwork save lives. Thanks to the swift response of local officials, first responders and Texas DPS troopers, what could have become a dangerous situation instead became a story of planning, professionalism and a community working together to protect its children.
