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Grillin’ at the Grove 2026

We are looking forward to our FIFTH Annual Grillin’ at the Grove to be held March 28th, 2026. The BBQ Competition will be held at Clemson RV Park Event Lawn and Paw Pavilion. This is a Butts event with a Rib-Throw-Down. 

Please find the attached entry form and rules for this event. The BBQ Competition is being judged by the South Carolina BBQ Association and includes the following awards/features:

  1. Total Payout $5,000
  2. 65’ long and 25’ wide site-large enough for a 45’ rig and one tow vehicle
  3. All sites are full hookup, 30/50-amp power, water, and sewer

In addition to the prize money, trophies will also be awarded to the top three finishers. We will also be awarding a $250 People’s Choice Award.

Entry Fee is non-refundable and is $280 for butts only with Clemson RV Park providing all meat. Entry Forms and fees can be submitted through email at arogers@clemsonrv.com (payment must follow) or mailed to: Clemson RV Park- 150 Dalton Drive Pendleton, SC 29670 ATTN: Ansley and must be received prior to March 7th, 2026.

There is a 10-team minimum for this event. Should you have any questions, please feel free to email arogers@clemsonrv.com or call Clemson RV Park Office at 864-228-2858 Ext 2- Ansley. We look forward to seeing you at this event! Good Luck!

Each team must provide their own shelter and all necessary equipment. Sites will be Premium (asphalt). Cooking sites will be assigned by order of payment and registration. We will NOT be accepting site requests. Each team will be allocated one 65’ x 25’ RV Site, along with electricity, water, and sewer. The site will be available to the cook teams starting Friday morning at 9 am to Sunday Morning at 11 am.

TEAMS MAY NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES SELL ANY PORK, RIBS, OR CHICKEN ON DAY OF COMPETITION AS THIS IS A DIRECT CONFLICT WITH THE EVENT. ANY VIOLATION WILL RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION.

  1. Entry Fee: non-refundable $280 butts only. Clemson RV Park will provide all meat.
  2. Awards: Butts 1st – $2,000.00, 2nd – $1,200.00 3rd – $800.00 4th – $650.00, 5th – $350.00 Trophies will be awarded to the first 3 places. $250 People’s Choice Award & Free Entry into next year’s competition.
  3. Cooking: Wood, gas, pellet, or charcoal permitted. Meat must be prepared on site of Clemson RV. Open pits must be enclosed with a suitable barrier.
  4. Cooking Site & Preparation: You are required to have a tent, fire extinguisher, hand wash station with catch pan or bucket, and tarp or mat under cooker or grill. You are limited to a 65’x25’ site that you are expected to keep clean during and after the event.
  5. Presentation: Meat may be presented with or without sauce. One 9”x9” box will be submitted for judging by the team representative. DO NOT SEND SAUCE ON THE SIDE WITH MEAT.
  6. Garnish: NO GARNISH, MEAT ONLY IN FOOD BOX.
  7. Cooked Meat: All BBQ meat will be retained by Clemson RV Park and sold by Clemson RV Park. Pork will be sold Saturday starting at 11:00AM until sold out. We ask that teams cook 8 butts, depending on the number of entries, and to process the meat (pans will be provided). Your help would be greatly appreciated.
  8. Food Safety: All meat must be kept at 40 degrees F or lower before cooking. Pork must be cooked to 155 degrees F. Potentially hazardous food should be kept at 140 degrees F or above at all times. DHEC requires teams to bring a working meat thermometer. Disposable gloves must be used while cooking and handling of food. Teams are expected to adhere to all county, state, and federal electrical, fire, and health codes.
  9. Judging: South Carolina BBQ Association: Certified judging will begin at 10:00AM for butts. Winners will be announced at 2:30PM. Each judge will judge no more than 8 entries, generally fewer by teams of 6 or more judges. Entries will be judged blind on appearance, aroma, taste, tenderness, and overall impression. In the unlikely case of a tie in overall scoring, the tie will be broken by recalculating the scores from the cards and given the highest value to taste, then tenderness, then aroma.
  10. Pets: Are welcomed but must always be on a leash. You MUST pick up after your Pet. No exceptions.
  11. This is a FAMILY EVENT. Please be DISCRETE with your ‘adult beverages’. We also ask you to limit noise from the hours of 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM. All teams are expected to respect the rights of others with special emphasis against loud music, profanity, and infringement on adjoining sites.
  12. Entry Forms: Will be available at Clemson RV Park office during business hours of 9 AM to 5 PM. Or on our website at clemsonrv.com. Please email your completed form with payment. An Entry form is NOT valid unless it is followed by a payment.
  13. Waiver of Liability: By signing the entry form, you waive and release any and all rights and claims of any nature you may have against Clemson RV Park, and any other organization or individual connected with this event; their representative, successors, heirs and assigns for all injuries, fatal accidents, or personal property damage of any nature while taking part in any activities associated with above mentioned tournament.
  14. Cooks Meeting: will be held at 5:00 PM on Friday, March 27th. Rule explanations and questions will be addressed at this time. Butts and turn- in containers will be available after 12:00 PM on Friday. Location to be announced.