Chuck Wagon Cookoff Weekend & Competition

The Chuck Wagon Cookoff Weekend & Competition, a beloved event in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is a celebration that embodies the spirit of the American West and the rich heritage of chuck wagon cuisine. This three-day extravaganza, often referred to by locals and repeat attendees as the Chuck Wagon Cookoff, is a must-attend for Western lifestyle enthusiasts, foodies, and anyone in search of a hearty, authentic meal.

At its core, this event is designed for families, music lovers, and those with a deep appreciation for traditional American cooking. The target audience is diverse, ranging from families looking for a unique weekend outing to food connoisseurs eager to taste the best of chuck wagon cuisine. Music enthusiasts are also in for a treat, with an intimate dinner concert featuring local and regional musicians. Notable guests include talented “cookies” or chuck wagon chefs who have honed their skills in the art of outdoor cooking, as well as local legends who bring the history and culture of the cattle drive era to life.

The event takes place from February 28 to March 2, 2025, at Clabough’s Campground & RV Park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Each day is packed with special happenings that add to the event’s charm. The weekend kicks off with a soulful cowboy church gathering, a serene and communal start to the festivities. The main event, of course, is the cookoff competition itself, where chuck wagons gather to prepare meals over open fires using simple, rustic ingredients. Cash prizes are awarded for the most authentic wagon and in various food categories such as meat, potatoes, bread, beans, and dessert.

Clabough’s Campground & RV Park, nestled in the heart of Pigeon Forge, provides a picturesque setting for this outdoor cooking extravaganza. Located in the scenic Smoky Mountains region, the campground offers a natural beauty that complements the rustic charm of the chuck wagons. To get there, attendees can fly into the McGhee Tyson Airport, which is approximately a 45-minute drive from Pigeon Forge. The area is also accessible via major highways, making it an easily reachable destination for those driving in.

The appeal of the Chuck Wagon Cookoff Weekend & Competition lies in its unique blend of history, heritage, and delicious food. The event is a living testament to the cattle drive trail days, where chuck wagon cooks played a crucial role in feeding hungry cowboys on the open prairies. Today, this tradition is kept alive through the authentic reproduction of these mobile kitchens and the culinary skills of the “cookies.”

Attendees can look forward to a weekend filled with history, music, and mouthwatering meals. The intimate dinner concert sets the tone for a memorable evening, while the cowboy church gathering offers a moment of reflection and community. The cookoff competition itself is a spectacle, with teams cooking onsite over open fires, adhering to traditional rules that ensure the authenticity of the dishes.

This event is a must-attend for anyone looking to immerse themselves in a piece of American history and enjoy some of the best traditional cooking available. With its rich atmosphere, engaging activities, and the chance to experience the genuine flavors of the Wild West, the Chuck Wagon Cookoff Weekend & Competition is an event that promises to leave a lasting impression on all who attend.