Rebensdorf Family Chili Cook Off 2026

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About Camden, TN

Camden is the county seat of Benton County, Tennessee — a charming small Southern town tucked right between Memphis and Nashville, about halfway on Interstate 40. With a population of just under 4,000, Camden offers that genuine small-town welcome that's getting harder to find.

The Rebensdorf Chili Cook Off was a beloved annual tradition back in California — and after a 10-year break, Jim and Judy are firing the pots back up in their new Tennessee home. Same spirit, new stomping grounds!

The area is best known for Kentucky Lake and Barkley Lake, two of the largest man-made lakes in the eastern United States, making it a magnet for boaters, anglers, and outdoor lovers. The Tennessee River winds through the region, and the landscape is all rolling hills, forests, and waterways.

Camden also holds a unique place in rock & roll history — it's where Patsy Cline's plane came down in 1963, and the site is memorialized nearby. Country music fans make the pilgrimage regularly.

📍 Getting Here

Take Interstate 40 to Exit 126. Drive through Camden city past the court square, turn onto Lake St (becomes Eva Road) - PAY ATTENTION TO THE 30 MPH SPPED LIMIT! Turn left on Davis Rd, just past the golf course. We're at 1160 Davis Rd.

🗺️ Location

Roughly 90 miles east of Memphis and 90 miles west of Nashville. Perfect excuse for a weekend road trip from either direction!

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Lodging

Camden and the surrounding area have a range of places to stay — from chain hotels to charming lake cabins. Here are some options to explore (click on the names--some of these have direct links):

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Best Western — Camden Comfortable, reliable, and right in town. Book early — September weekends fill up fast with the lake crowd. Check bestwestern.com for current availability.

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Colonial Inn — Camden A local, independently owned option with small-town charm. A good choice if you prefer something a little more personal than a chain. Call ahead for reservations.

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Vacation Rentals (VRBO / Airbnb) Lakefront cabins and houses rent beautifully for groups. Search "Camden TN" or "Kentucky Lake" on VRBO or Airbnb — sleeping 6–20 people isn't uncommon out here.

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Camping & RV Parks Sportsman's Rest is a local favorite for RV and tent camping. The owners are TOny and Leigh and they can be reached at (615) 708-1499. Sportsman's Rest offers cabins (600 sf with 2 queen beds + fridge, microwave and grill outside @ $100/night) plus RV hookups. This location is about 3 miles from our house.
Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park also offers sites along the Tennessee River, and although camp sites are closed for renovation, we believe cabins are still availalble. This park is about five miles fromour home Click here to learn more about the cabins.

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Paris, TN & Jackson, TN Larger selection of hotels 30–45 minutes away in nearby Paris or Jackson if Camden options are full. Worth a look if you're booking late.

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Touristy Things to See & Do

There's more to do around Camden than you might expect. Come a day early or stay a day late!

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Kentucky Lake & Barkley Lake Two massive lakes connected by the Barkley Canal. Boating, fishing, jet skiing, sunset cruises — the water is the star attraction of the whole region.
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Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park Scenic hiking trails along the Tennessee River with gorgeous overlooks. The park museum covers local Civil War and river history. Beautiful in September.NOTE: Campgrounds closed for rehab untiil 2027
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Patsy Cline Memorial Site A touching tribute to the country music legend, located near the crash site just outside Camden. A must-visit for any country music fan.
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Fishing on the Tennessee River Bass, crappie, catfish — the fishing around Camden is legendary. Rent a boat or find a public access point and drop a line.
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Camden Downtown & Court Square A classic Southern town square with local shops, a historic courthouse, and friendly faces. Great for a stroll before the cook off. Don't forget to check out DayMaker Cafe while you are here for the best coffee and ice cream in town, Rafaels for Italian food, Laredo's for Mexican food, Downhome for country-style home cookin', and more!
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Benton County (Magic Valley) Golf Course A local 9-hole course — affordable, scenic, and right near our place on Davis Rd. Good for a morning round before the chili gets going!
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Nashville, Chatanooga, Lynchburg, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg East of Camden about 1 hour 45 minutes is Nashville and the a great day trip to the famous Broadway honky-tonks--get your scootin' boots on! For a longer stay and more than a day trip, there is Pigeon Forge (Dollywood) and the Great Smoky Mountains (Gatlinburg) as well as Jack Daneils distillery (Lynchburg)...and Chatanooga...why not see if the choo-choo still runs there?
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Memphis West of Camden about 2 hours 15 minutes is Memphis...home of Graceland (for all you Elvis fans) and Beale Street (for all you Blues afficianados). An easy day trip and lots of great soul food on Beale Street!

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How to Participate in the Cookoff

Think you've got what it takes? Bring your best pot of chili and let the people decide! Here's everything you need to know:

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Hot Stuff! Chili

For those who like it scorching. Bring the heat and dare everyone to try it.

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Mild n Wild Chili

Flavor over fire. Rich, hearty, and crowd-pleasing for all heat tolerances.

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People's Choice Chili

The crowd votes. The crowd wins. Make something everyone wants seconds of.

1

Pick your category Choose one: Hot Stuff!, Mild n Wild, or People's Choice. One pot, one category per entrant...unless you just have to make more! Mark your entry with a memorable name for your chili and tape the card to the pot of table in front of your chili. Vote cards are available on the main table--pick your favorite chili for each of the three categories and enjoy some cameraderie and good food while you wait for the judge's count.

2

Bring your chili ready to serve — or make it here! We'll provide electrical outlets for crock pots to keep things warm. Traveling from out of state? No problem — we have a full kitchen with a stove and pots available so you can make your chili right here. We will also borrow crock pots if you let us know in advance — just mention it when you RSVP!

3

Need supplies to make your chili? Camden shopping is limited to Walmart and Cash Saver. Nearby we have Kroger, Lakeway IGA and Yoders Country Store(in Paris, about 29 miles) and we can also drive in to Jackson or Dickson (about an hour away). Let us know if there is anything you might want ahead of time, or get here early en ough to take a drive with us to on of the "bigger cities" for more selection!

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We've got you covered We provide coolers & ice, shade covers, hot dogs, tasting cups, spoons, and crackers. Just bring your chair (or use one of ours) or blanket — and maybe some Pepto-Bismol. 😄

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Donate a buck or two to the prize pool Pass a dollar or two to the prize jar when you arrive. The more we collect, the better the prizes for our chili champions!

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RSVP so we know you're coming Not required, but really appreciated so we can plan accordingly. See below!

📍 1160 Davis Rd · Camden, TN 38320 I-40 Exit 126 → Towards Paris/Camden → Through Camden → Past court square → Lake St becomes Eva Rd (PAY ATTENTION TO THE 30 MPH SPEED LIMIT!) → Left on Davis Rd (just past the golf course). Can't miss it!

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RSVP & Contact

RSVPs are appreciated (not required) so Jim and Judy can plan supplies. If you receoived a Facebook invite, click Yes/No/Maybe there. Or reach out directly:

🌶️ RSVP Appreciated!

📞 Jim: (714) 814-2200

📞 Judy: (714) 350-1159

✉️ Email: chilifest@yni.com

👍 Facebook: Yes / No / Maybe

Pepper is eager to see you all again!

Champ is looking forward to meeting you all!

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Download the Official Flyer

Share it with friends and family — the more the merrier!

📄 View / Download Flyer

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Staying With Us

Bring your swim gear! September brings cooler weather, but everything is relative when you speak humidity and heat index as a second language 😎 Water might even be a little bit warm...who knows...but be prepared with swim gear and sunscreen!

We have room for a few folks right here at the house — what a deal, free chili AND a bed! Here's who has what spoken for. If you think there's been a mix-up or want to claim a spot, give Jim or Judy a call.

🛏️ Guest Room #1

Reserved

Queen bed · Shared bath

🛏️ Guest Room #2

Reserved

Queen bed · Shared bath

🛏️ Sleeper Sofa #1 (Queen)

Reserved

Living room · Shared bath

🛏️ Sleeper Sofa #2 (Queen)

Available

Family room · Shared bath

🛏️ Air Mattresses Galore (Queen, Twin)

Available

Family Room or Man Cave

🚙 RV Spot / 50 amp hookup

Reserved

Living room · Shared bath

📝 Note from Jim & Judy: This section will be updated as rooms get claimed. If you're planning to stay with us, please RSVP early so we can coordinate! Reach us at (714) 814-2200 (Jim)or (714) 350-1159 (Judy) or send us an email chilifest@yni.com.

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Want to See the Place?

Check out photos of the house, yard, and property so you know exactly what to expect when you arrive.

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