Dutch Oven Cooking Contest Weekend

9/19/2025 to 9/21/2025 | Crowder State Park | Trenton, MO

Make your reservations now for the 2025 Dutch Oven Cooking Contest Weekend!!

Register for the Dutch oven cooking contest by 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, by calling the park office at 660-359-6473 or speaking with the host at check-in. You will need to provide your name and campsite number, the type of entry (youth or adult), and the categories that you wish to enter (main meal, chili or soup, dessert, sides, or bread). Registration is required.


Event schedule:

Friday Sept. 19

3 p.m. – Check in to your reserved campsite! Dust off your Dutch ovens and check your supplies for your favorite Dutch oven recipes!

Saturday Sept. 20 – Walk around the campground! See and smell what everyone else is making! 

10 a.m. to noon – Dutch oven demonstration at Campsite 6 – Park staff will prepare their favorite dishes and give hints for outdoor cooking.

Noon to 2 p.m. – Campground-wide potluck – Bring your Dutch ovens to Site 6 for judging and to share with your fellow campers! Park staff will prepare their favorite dishes to share! Trade hints and recipes with everyone.

2 p.m. – Winners will be announced at Campsite 6! 

Sunday, Sept. 21

Pack up and head home with new recipes to try at your next campout!!


There are fees associated with camping at the park, but the event itself is free. For more information about the event, call the park office.

Crowder State Park is located at:

76 NW Highway 128, Trenton, MO | 660-359-6473

Associated activities

  • Camping