Chuck Wagon Cookoff: Pigeon Forge’s Unique Western Heritage Event

On January 29, 2026

Imagine strolling through a lively campsite as the scent of fresh biscuits, country-fried steak, and bubbling cobbler drifts through the air. Somewhere nearby, a hearty voice calls everyone in for supper. You haven’t stepped into a movie set or traveled back in time- you’ve arrived at the annual Pigeon Forge Chuck Wagon Cookoff!

This unique event brings authentic cowboy cooking to the Smoky Mountains with open-fire meals, Western music, storytelling, and family-friendly fun. For one unforgettable weekend, history comes alive as cookies, performers, and reenactors gather to celebrate Old West traditions, hospitality, and seriously good food. Pull up a chair by the fire and get ready to dig in.

The 2026 Chuck Wagon Cookoff takes place March 7, 2026, at Clabough’s Campground, located at 405 Wears Valley Road in Pigeon Forge.

What is Chuck Wagon Cooking?

Long before food trucks or modern kitchens, chuck wagons served as rolling cookhouses on cattle drives across the American West. From these wagons, cowboys loaded up on hearty staples like beans, stew, and sourdough bread, and on especially good days, Dutch oven pies or fruit cobblers.

The first chuck wagon appeared in 1866, when a Texas rancher transformed a surplus Army wagon into a kitchen on wheels, complete with a pantry box, shelves, drawers, and a hinged door that doubled as a table.

At the heart of every wagon was the cook, often called the “cookie.” More than just a chef, the cook also took care of the cattle drivers, and frequently served as banker, barber, medic, and sometimes referee. To a cowboy covering miles of open country, there was no sound more welcoming than the cook’s voice calling everyone to gather for mealtime. As they sat around the wagon and ate under the stars, the chuck wagon provided comfort, routine, and a sense of home. In many ways, the cook was at the heart of it all.

Today, that tradition continues at chuck wagon cookoffs, where reenactors prepare classic dishes like country-fried steak, pinto beans, sourdough bread, and Dutch oven desserts. Cooking takes place over an open fire, with simple, historically accurate ingredients and everything managed from the wagon itself. Unlike other types of outdoor cooking, it’s about making the most of what you have and creating a satisfying meal from scratch. Few things feel more rooted in American tradition.

The Competition: A True Culinary Showdown

At the Pigeon Forge Chuck Wagon Cookoff, tradition meets friendly competition, as 10 wagons compete for cash prizes across five categories: meat, potatoes, beans, bread, and dessert. There’s also an award for the most authentic wagon.

Each team prepares lunch onsite using period-appropriate ingredients provided in advance. Judges evaluate entries based on factors such as taste and appearance. Without modern shortcuts, cooks rely on experience, timing, and creativity to stand out.

Past winning wagons include: Five D Ranch, Camp Cookie, JCW Jones, Double X Ranch, Ozark Bullwhackers, and Greenhorn Cattle Co.- each bringing their own flair to time-honored recipes.

Beyond the Competition: Step Into the Old West

If you’ve ever wondered what life in the Old West looked like, this is your chance to experience it first-hand! Cowboys in leather boots and hats tend cast-iron skillets over open flames, while women in bonnets and long dresses prepare meals just as they would have on the trail. The scent of wood smoke, freshly baked biscuits, and simmering potatoes and beans fills the air. You’re invited to wander, ask questions, and enjoy authentic cowboy cooking as you immerse yourself in camp life. Tickets are required to enjoy a lunch meal from a chuck wagon, and advanced registration is strongly recommended. You can purchase tickets for the 2026 Chuck Wagon Cookoff here.

At the Chuck Wagon Cookoff, you’ll find exhibits on Western history, live shows, concerts, and storytelling for all ages. One crowd favorite is Saturday’s staged Old West shootout reenactment. Free activities for all ages will be available from 9 AM- 2 PM, including lasso lessons, wood branding, and more.

This year’s event also features appearances by actor Barry Corbin, known for his roles in Urban Cowboy, Lonesome Dove, and Northern Exposure. Vendors, authentic wagon camping, and cowboy reenactors round out the experience, creating countless photo-worthy moments.

The Culinary Experience: Hearty and Heartwarming

Think cowboys didn’t eat well? Flaky biscuits, country-fried steak, creamy mashed potatoes, and warm fruit cobblers tell a different story.

As you stroll through camp, you’ll see familiar cooking methods at every wagon. Cast-iron pans hang above open fires, filled with rising biscuits or fried potatoes. Many dishes, including desserts, are prepared Dutch oven–style. While the techniques are similar, each wagon brings its own flavor and flair.

Chuck wagon cooking may look simple, but it’s a craft shaped over years of practice. Many cooks are happy to answer questions and share tips, so don’t be surprised if you leave inspired to try a Dutch oven recipe of your own.

Tips for Attendees

If you want time to wander, chat with cooks, and take photos before the crowds show up, arrive early on Saturday. While Clabough’s Campground offers very limited parking, free parking is available at Wear Farm Park- located a short walk away at 623 Wears Valley Road.

To stay close to the action, book a cabin or cottage, or reserve your RV spot at the campground. Nearby hotels also offer convenient access to The Old Mill, The Island at Pigeon Forge, and other fun attractions around town.

Why Food Lovers Keep Coming Back

For food enthusiasts, the Pigeon Forge Chuck Wagon Cookoff offers a true taste of the Old West in the Great Smoky Mountains. You’ll enjoy historic dishes prepared by a welcoming community of chuck wagon cooks, all eager to share stories, techniques, and beloved traditions. Blending food, history, and live entertainment, this all-ages event is fun, filling, and full of charm. Here, the Old West feels alive and well.

An Experience Worth Savoring

Step back into a time before TV and food trucks, when meals were shared under the stars and stories were swapped around the campfire. With live music, hands-on history, and cowboy cooking, the Pigeon Forge Chuck Wagon Cookoff is a unique experience the whole family will love. Plan your 2026 visit now.