ABOUT
AS SEEN ON FOOD NETWORK’S “BBQ USA”
The Campground BBQ Series offers nationally sanctioned state BBQ championships scattered throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic U.S. Because they are hosted at local campgrounds, these contests allow BBQ teams to compete with every advantage necessary, including electric, water, trash, bathrooms, hot showers and even sewage disposal. They also allow teams to wind down in private comfort to just enjoy the cooking process and time spent with friends and family. The winners of each contest qualify for national championships.
Campground BBQ includes primarily 4-meat Masters contests, but some weekends include a dedicated 2-meat Backyard contest for Chicken and Rib categories. We also allow first-time teams to enter just 1 or 2 categories to "get their feet wet." If you've been thinking about testing your mettle against other BBQ enthusiasts, you've got a diversity of options, and you'll learn a lot more about the barbecue and grilling craft.
Many contest weekends include a one-meat contest, allowing teams to experiment a little while also increasing their national scores in that category.
These contests are primarily for teams only – there are no food vendors, music stage, kid’s activities or other “festival” events. BBQ teams are unable to sell or give away food to public attendees, per local health department regulations. Campers are welcome to interact with teams, but we strongly discourage people from interacting with teams between 10am-2pm, as this is when teams are most busy preparing their contest entries. Friends and family are welcome to visit but may need to pay a day fee to enter the private facility.
2025 CONTEST WEEKENDS
April 11-13: Southern New England Barbecue Throwdown, Bristol CT – SAT & SUN Masters, 1-Meat Chicken, 1-Meat Ribs, “Amusement Park Food” Ancillary — DEADLINE: March 15, 2025
May 2-4 [NEW 2025 DATE DUE TO EASTER]: New Jersey KnoQ-out, Blairstown NJ – SAT & SUN Masters, SAT & SUN Backyard, 1-Meat Chicken, 1-Meat Ribs, Taylor Ham Ancillary — DEADLINE: March 1, 2025
May 30 - June 1 [RETURNING LOCATION]: Granite State BBQ Championship, Hancock NH – SAT & SUN Masters, 1-Meat Chicken, 1-Meat Ribs, Dessert Ancillary — DEADLINE: April 15, 2025
June 6-8 [NEW EVENT]: Catskills Barbeque Competition, Grahamsville NY – SAT & SUN Backyard, 1-Meat Ribs, People’s Choice Wings Contest, Pork Ancillary — DEADLINE: May 15, 2025
August 1-3 [NEW EVENT]: Grand American Barbecue World Championship, Port Jervis NY – SAT Masters Invitational, SUN Masters NY State Championship Open — DEADLINE: May 31, 2025 — Apply separately at www.GrandAmBBQ.com
Sept. 12-14 [NEW 2025 DATE]: Nor’Easter BBQ Showdown, Southwick MA – SAT & SUN Masters, 1-Meat Chicken, 1-Meat Ribs, Red Chili Ancillary — DEADLINE: August 15, 2025
Sept. 19-21 [NEW 2025 DATE]: Green Mountain BBQ Championship, Braintree VT – SAT & SUN Masters, 1-Meat Chicken, 1-Meat Ribs, White Chili Ancillary — DEADLINE: August 15, 2025
Oct. 24-26 [NEW 2025 DATE; RETURNING LOCATION]: Red White & Q, Jackson NJ – SAT & SUN Masters, SAT & SUN Backyard, 1-Meat Chicken, 1-Meat Ribs, Tacos Ancillary, Turkey Smoke Ancillary — DEADLINE: October 1, 2025
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