Over the Independence Day weekend, Central Texas’s picturesque Hill Country was transformed into a disaster zone. The Guadalupe River, swollen by torrential rains, surged through towns like Ingram, Kerrville, and Hunt.
RVers who had gathered to enjoy the riverbanks found themselves facing one of the worst flash floods in Texas history.
What happened
Between late July 3 and early July 4, localized downpours delivered up to 15 inches of rain. Some gauges recorded 6.5 inches in just three hours. See the Guadalupe River’s before and after photos here.
These deluges were fueled by a stalled weather system (mesoscale convective complex) partly fed by the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry. It was this rare combination of weather conditions that fueled the record‐breaking flood.
The unexpected storm dumped up to 15 inches of rain near the Guadalupe River basin. The drenching rain caused water levels to balloon by more than two stories in under an hour.
Low-lying areas were overtaken so quickly that many residents had only minutes to react. Raging waters carried away trees, vehicles, and even entire structures downstream.
RV park vanished
One of the hardest-hit communities was Blue Oak RV Park in Ingram, Texas. Residents recounted being awakened by thunder and pounding rain before local firefighters urged them to evacuate. Mere moments later, dozens of RVs were swept off their pads and into the swirling current. Several other RV parks and camping sites along the river were also flooded.
Many RVers were still inside their rigs when the floodwaters hit. Today, the Blue Oak RV park’s grounds lie empty, marked only by twisted metal and debris. Watch the videos below for the aftermath.
The Guadalupe’s explosive rise
According to the National Weather Service, the Guadalupe River surged 26 feet in just 45 minutes, reaching its second-highest level on record. The sudden rise overwhelmed floodgates and defenses, leaving little chance for last-minute evacuations. “It was like a freight train of water barreling straight at us,” one survivor told reporters.
Watch the time-lapse video of the fast-rising waters. (Note: The Llano River is a tributary that feeds into the Guadalupe River.)
Human toll
• Fatalities: Initial reports listed at least 43 people dead, including 15 children, but by July 7, the toll had climbed to 82 confirmed fatalities (including 28 children) across all affected counties. [Update: As of the afternoon of July 7, the death toll is at least 104.]
• Missing persons: Throughout the area, many remain unaccounted for. This includes at least ten girls and one counselor from Camp Mystic, a century‑old Christian girls’ camp along the river.
• Injuries: Exact figures on injuries vary. Local hospitals have treated dozens for hypothermia, lacerations and crush injuries. Emergency responders report multiple cases of broken limbs and near-drownings.
Almost impossible to escape
Experts say that flash floods of this magnitude are almost impossible to escape once water rises rapidly. However, RVers can improve their odds. Here are some tips:
• Monitor weather closely: Sign up for NWS flash flood alerts and keep a weather radio on.
• Heed evacuation orders: Move rigs to higher ground at the first sign of flooding.
• Prepare a “Go Bag”: Store essentials—documents, medications, flares—in an easy‑grab kit.
In this case, many park residents had less than 20 minutes between the first reports and walls of water at their doors, leaving evacuation nearly impossible.
Can you help?
Communities are rallying to support survivors and first responders. If you are currently RVing in Texas or would like to physically help with cleanup and recovery efforts, contact any of the entities mentioned below.
If you’d like to contribute:
• This GoFundMe goes directly to the owner of the Blue Oak RV park, in the videos above.
• This GoFundMe directly helps other RV parks and campgrounds affected.
• American Red Cross: Donate money and/or your time here.
• Kerr County Flood Relief Fund via The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country: Donate here.
• Salvation Army: Support relief meals and emergency shelter here.
• Local churches: Cross Kingdom Church in Kerrville and Southern Oaks Church are accepting monetary gifts for immediate aid.
RVT1217b
Our winter RV park is near Bertram, TX. I seriously do not mean to downplay the Guadeloupe River flood. It is horrific. We have spent time near its banks on many occasions. Bertram sits on a low plateau above the Colorado River (of Texas not the states further west) and near the San Gabriel River and deaths occurred from both. Bertram received about 22″ of rainfall followed by roughly another 6″. The most in the Hill Country. Average annual rainfall for Bertram is 33-34″. So many roads have flood damage in the region that “you can’t get there from here” is more fact than fiction. Thankfully, all our FT friends in our park are fine. Please donate if you can.
Thank you, Gail, particulsrly for links to the many ways to help remotely. All tragic and sad. Safe travels!