Heart O’ the Hills Camp finds a new home on the Guadalupe River, offering exciting summer experiences with dedication to tradition and family.
SAN ANTONIO — A beloved Texas summer tradition is getting a new home.
Heart O’ the Hills Camp for Girls, a longtime Hill Country favorite, is moving to a new site along the North Fork of the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas. The new location comes with new ownership, but the same mission to carry on the camp’s decades-long legacy of friendship, song and summer adventure.
Elisabeth and John Hay, the camp’s new owners and longtime members of the “Heart family,” shared the news this week in a transition letter to families.
A New Home Along the Guadalupe
The new property sits between Camp Stewart and Camp Waldemar and offers more than 1,800 feet of riverfront and 70 acres of Hill Country views. The site has deep camping roots dating back to the 1940s and was once owned by Hill Country legend Bill James.
Construction is already underway on new cabins, dining areas and activity spaces, all built above the floodplain for safety and longevity. Progress will be shared regularly by email, on the website, and through social media.
A New Era of Leadership
Elisabeth Hay, the camp’s new director, says the July 4 flood that damaged the previous property was a turning point. The couple felt called to preserve the Heart experience for future generations.
“As camp parents ourselves, we know firsthand how transformative the camp experience can be. Our daughter has already spent three summers at Heart, and our son attends Camp Stewart. John began his camp journey at Stewart at age six, later serving as a counselor for many years. I am honored to serve as Heart’s new Director, working alongside many of the staff you already know, and John on operations.”
What’s Ahead
The Hays say they’ll soon share ways for families and alumni to help with the transition through donations, volunteer time or other talents.
They also plan to host meet-and-greet events in Dallas, Austin, Houston and San Antonio, along with digital sessions and opportunities for families to tour the new property in the coming months.
Registration for Summer 2026 is now open, though deposits won’t be collected until refunds from the prior ownership are completed.
Staying Connected
For questions or to update contact information, families can reach out to Monique Cikota at monique@hohcamp.com or Elisabeth Hay at elisabeth@hohcamp.com.
Camp dates for 2026:
First Term
- Sunday, May 31 – Saturday, June 27 – First Term
- Sunday, May 31 – Saturday, June 13 – Split 1A
- Sunday, June 14 – Saturday, June 27 – Split 1B
*Discounts may apply for sisters and early payment in full
Second Term
- Sunday, July 5 – Saturday, August 1 – Second Term
- Sunday, July 5 – Saturday, July 18 – Split 2A
- Sunday, July 19 – Saturday, August 1 – Split 2B
*Discounts may apply for sisters and early payment in full
For more information on registration or counselor applications, CLICK HERE.