Anytime is a great time to hit the road to find the perfect barbecue meal. Barbecue is highly regionalized with a variety of flavors. To find your favorite barbecue you’ll just have to take your journey, taste the flavors from different regions, and pick your favorite. ReserveAmerica has listed an itinerary that will take you through five states to sample some of the best BBQ.
Kentucky
Louisville is the place to try some of the best Kentucky barbecue around. You’ll find Louisville’s most famous “B”s (Barbecue, Beer, Bourbon and Brisket) at one place – Down One Bourbon Bar & Restaurant. Their Three Little Pigs sandwich has been recognized as one of the best barbecue sandwiches in the country. You can play free mini-golf while you enjoy delicious ribs at Frankfort Avenue Beer Depot. Don’t miss Momma’s Mustard, Pickles, and BBQ where you may be surprised to discover Kansas City-style barbecue right here in Kentucky. Apparently word of mouth has it that their “burnt ends” are incredibly good. There are plenty more spots to visit, such as Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que, FDKY BBQ, and Louie’s Hot Chicken and Barbecue.
Where to Camp: Taylorsville Lake State Park, Kentucky
Taylorsville Lake State Park sits on huge Taylorsville Lake, not far from Louisville and surrounded by beautiful riding country. When not enjoying your barbecue fare, you can hike, mountain bike, or fish for bluegill or bass.
North Carolina
Most of the Carolina barbecue has been categorized into western and eastern style, with western tomato-based and eastern being more vinegary and peppery. You can test this theory by making your way to your campsite by way of some of the best foods in North Carolina. First stop in Greenville, NC for some BBQ ribs at RJ’s Famous Chicken, BBQ & Ribs. Further on in Winterville, you’ll find Sam Jones BBQ with their wood-fired BBQ plates and homemade side dishes. Finally, once settled in your camping spot, you can visit Grady’s Barbecue, only 10 minutes away from Cliffs of the Neuse State Park. It is said they have the best pit-cooked wild hog barbecue you’ll find anywhere.
Where to Camp: Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, North Carolina
Explore the river habitats; check out the impressive overlooks of the Neuse River. This park offers campsites and cabins for the whole family. Trails are shaded so you can hike to your heart’s content. The Cliffs of the Neuse State Park is a great home base for your barbecue adventures in North Carolina.
Looking to try some campfire cooking?: Campfire Meals for the Family
Georgia
Atlanta barbecue places abound and this is your chance to taste some of the best. A famous spot is Fat Matt’s Rib Shack where they sell almost three tons of ribs in a week. Their delicious ribs are caramelized over a hickory flame with a special sauce. Every night you can enjoy a live blues band. There is also Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q where the slow-roasted ribs, pulled pork, and yummy sides can be enjoyed on their informal patio. DBA Barbecue is a neighborhood barbecue joint with homemade sides and a full bar. Of course, another place you might want to try while in the area is Old Brick Pit Barbecue, with their vinegar-based sauce, made from a family recipe.
Where to Camp: Panola Mountain State Park, Georgia
This state park is 15 minutes from Atlanta and the ideal home base for your Georgia trip. The park offers many recreational opportunities, such as birding, archery, as well as rollerblading and biking on their paved trail. Hike the forested fitness trails. You’ll find the perfect primitive campsite where you can set up camp.
Texas
Texas-style barbecue is a regional style with lots of variety. Beef is king, and even though most barbecue smokehouses concentrate on beef, you’ll find a lot of pork, ribs, and chicken too. Stop in San Antonio to experience plenty of bbq satisfaction as well as true Texas hospitality. If you like to enjoy a game of pool with your barbecue, try Texas Pride Barbecue. Cooper’s is another lively spot with mesquite-smoked brisket and cabrito (that’s roasted goat). Some of the other spots to look up are Leon Springs BBQ, Augie’s Barbed Wire Smokehouse and Two Bros. BBQ Market. By day you can explore historic missions, check out the famed Riverwalk, and the Pearl Brewery.
Where to Camp: Guadalupe River State Park, Texas
Just a short drive from San Antonio, you will find plenty of activities to enjoy at this lovely park. The river offers fishing, tubing, and canoeing. There are a number of water and electric campsites as well as nine walk-in tent sites.
Kansas
You have something to look forward to for your trip to Kansas. Kansas City barbecue is kind of a melting pot of all regions. They have a broad selection of meats and will smoke anything from ham or turkey to sausage or beef short ribs. However, brisket and pork ribs seem to be the mainstays. And the sauce? Wait and see! Stop by Hog Wild Pit Bar-B-Q for ribs, brisket and some pulled pork. Check out Woodyard Bar-B-Que with plenty of outdoor seating and some surprising smokehouse meats. Then there is Gates Bar-B-Q, a spot to enjoy smoked barbecue topped with an array of sauces.
Where to Camp: Perry State Park, Kansas
On the shore of Perry Reservoir, Perry State Park is a great place to make your home base for your Kansas City visit. Walk off all that barbecue on more than 40 miles of trails. You’ll discover great birdwatching opportunities and plenty of wildlife watching. There are electric and water sites, as well as primitive camping sites.
Are you ready for an outdoor adventure? Plan your camping trip!
Check with your Local Government Organization
Many policies have been established to counter and control the coronavirus outbreak. State and local officials have been taking decisive action to stop the spread. The policies vary by state, sometimes to a great degree. When you book a reservation, make sure to review the park and state’s latest rules and regulations prior to your visit.
For COVID-19 updates, please visit our Impacted Park List and Reservation Guide for the latest information.