All teams cook at the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show Grounds in Mercedes, Texas. Below is what you need to know about your campsite, check-in, and what's allowed on the grounds for the 2027 event.
Campsite basics
- Approximately 40' × 40' per campsite. Some sites may vary.
- Electricity and water available on a first-come, first-served basis. Bring plenty of extension cords and water hoses. Not every site has power or water, and there is no guarantee on amperage or load.
- Generators are allowed.
- Multiple pits are allowed, as long as you stay within your assigned boundaries.
- Propane burners can only be used for cooking beans.
- One vehicle per campsite during the event.
- One fire extinguisher per campsite is required by local fire code.
- No stakes of any kind on paved surfaces.
- No pets, golf carts, or ATVs on the grounds.
Check-in schedule
- Thursday: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM (gate closes 7:01 PM)
- Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (gate closes 6:00 PM sharp)
- Gates lock Friday at 6:01 PM and remain locked until Saturday after awards. No exceptions.
Returning team registration
Teams that cooked in 2026 have first pick of their previous campsite. The returning-team window opens 10/1/2026 at 10 AM and closes 11/22/2026 at 10 PM. Sites not claimed during this window are released to the public.
What you can order through registration
- Private porta-cans
- Private tents
Outside porta-can and tent vendors are not permitted on the grounds. Personal canopies are fine.
No ice or alcohol coming in
You can't bring ice or alcohol through the gates during the event. Ice and beer are sold to cooking teams on site.
Campsite cleanup
You're responsible for your campsite. Before awards, trash must be picked up and placed in trash cans, and your area (asphalt, gravel, grass, etc.) must be free of trash, ashes, and coal. No ashes or coals in the trash cans, the dumpster, or left at the campsite. No exceptions.
Venue map
View the 2027 venue map — use this to plan your arrival, find parking, and locate the turn-in building.