Every spring, the tiny lake town of Disney, Oklahoma transforms into the off-road capital of the country. Thousands of Jeep, ATV, UTV, and 4x4 enthusiasts converge for The Big Meat Run — one of the largest off-road gatherings in Oklahoma history. Held on the third weekend of March at the South Grand Lake Recreation Area below the historic Pensacola Dam, the Big Meat Run draws 10,000+ spectators and participants from across the nation for three days of rock crawling, trail riding, competitive racing, and pure adrenaline.
Only 20 minutes from the action, Eagle Ranch Resorts in Jay, OK is your Big Meat Run 2026 headquarters — luxury nature cabins, world-class amenities, and 17 acres of Northeast Oklahoma wilderness. When the mud dries and the engines cool, this is where you come to recharge.
Book Your Stay TodayThe Big Meat Run started as an accident — the best kind. Over 20 years ago, a machinist from Claremore named John Sumner ventured to Grand Lake to explore the land around the Pensacola Dam. Decades of water flowing through the dam's turbines had worn the land down to raw bedrock, carving out a breathtaking natural rock garden — a canyon-like terrain that off-road enthusiasts dream about.
What started as a customer appreciation event for 12 friends grew entirely by word of mouth into one of the biggest off-road gatherings in the nation. No advertising. No major sponsors. Just passionate off-roaders spreading the word until 10,000 people showed up every March. Sumner was even offered to move the event to Missouri for a large payout — he refused. He has a special place in his heart for those rocks in Disney, Oklahoma.
The name? "Big meat" is off-road slang for big tires — the thick, aggressive rubber that powers rock crawling machines up near-vertical walls while crowds roar below. Today the event brings participants from nearly every U.S. state, with a new chapter underway as park operations and competitive racing continue to grow.
12 friends, one customer appreciation event, and a rock garden below a dam. That's how it began.
No ads, no sponsors — just passionate off-roaders spreading the word until thousands showed up each March.
Today 600+ participants and up to 10,000 spectators from nearly every U.S. state make the pilgrimage to Disney each spring.
Now under new park ownership through AOA Park, the Big Meat Run continues to grow as Oklahoma's premier off-road event.
Three days of rock crawling, trail riding, competition, and Oklahoma wilderness.
The heart of the event. Watch drivers attempt near-vertical climbs up the natural rock walls below Pensacola Dam. The crowd erupts whether they summit — or tumble back down.
Miles of wooded off-road trails surround the Disney Off Road area. Bring your ATV, UTV, side-by-side, or 4x4 and explore at your own pace all weekend long.
Organized competitive events at the park bring professional off-road racing to the Grand Lake area each spring — one of the top off-road competitions in Northeast Oklahoma.
Come watch one of Oklahoma's biggest annual events completely free. No ticket needed to soak in the atmosphere, the action, and the breathtaking Grand Lake scenery.
Equal parts off-road competition and social gathering. Families, crews, and enthusiasts from across the country unite for a weekend of shared passion and Oklahoma hospitality.
The South Grand Lake Recreation Area is a stunning natural setting — exposed bedrock, flowing water, and raw Oklahoma wilderness that makes the Big Meat Run unlike any event on earth.
When 10,000 people descend on Disney, OK for the Big Meat Run, lodging fills up fast. Eagle Ranch Resorts is Northeast Oklahoma's premier luxury cabin resort — just 20 minutes from the Pensacola Dam event site. Luxury nature cabins, full amenities, and 17 acres of natural springs, trails, and lakes make Eagle Ranch the clear first choice for Big Meat Run lodging near Disney, OK year after year.
Whether you're rolling in with a truck and trailer, coming as a family to spectate, or bringing a full crew for the weekend — Eagle Ranch Resorts has the space, comfort, and energy to make your Big Meat Run experience unforgettable.
Book early. Big Meat Run weekend is one of the most in-demand lodging weekends in all of Northeast Oklahoma. Cabins sell out weeks in advance — don't wait until it's too late.
From intimate getaways to full-crew retreats — every cabin puts you just 20 minutes from the Big Meat Run action in Disney, OK. Browse and book your spot before they're gone.
Spacious luxury cabin sleeping multiple guests. Full kitchen, private deck, and Oklahoma wilderness views — perfect for groups and families visiting the Big Meat Run.
Check Availability for BMR →Full cabin accommodations near Grand Lake O' the Cherokees — all the comforts of home, ideal for families and off-road crews making the trip to Disney, OK.
Check Availability for BMR →A premier Eagle Ranch cabin experience — luxury finishes, outdoor living space, and 17 acres of Northeast Oklahoma nature right outside your door.
Check Availability for BMR →Book EN4 for your Big Meat Run crew. Generous space, resort amenities including pool and jacuzzi access, just 20 minutes from the Pensacola Dam event site.
Check Availability for BMR →One of Eagle Ranch's most sought-after cabins for event weekends. Full amenities, private setting, and easy access to Grand Lake and the Disney off-road area.
Check Availability for BMR →Comfortable, fully-equipped cabin in Jay, OK — minutes from Grand Lake O' the Cherokees and 20 minutes from the Big Meat Run at Disney, Oklahoma.
Check Availability for BMR →Eagle Ranch's EN7 offers a serene luxury nature escape with full resort access — the perfect base camp for Big Meat Run weekend in Northeast Oklahoma.
Check Availability for BMR →Not sure which cabin fits your group? Browse the full Eagle Ranch Resorts lodging page to compare all options and find your perfect Big Meat Run home base.
Check Availability for BMR →The Big Meat Run takes place annually on the third weekend of March in Disney, Oklahoma. The three-day event typically runs Thursday through Sunday at the South Grand Lake Recreation Area below the Pensacola Dam. Check the event's official channels for exact 2026 dates.
The Big Meat Run is held at the South Grand Lake Recreation Area below the Pensacola Dam in Disney, Oklahoma — a small lake community in Northeast Oklahoma on Grand Lake O' the Cherokees. The natural rock garden carved by decades of water flowing through the dam serves as the event's iconic terrain.
Yes — spectator admission is completely free. Participants who want to register and compete in organized races may have associated entry fees, but watching the rock crawling and trail action costs nothing.
The Big Meat Run welcomes all off-road vehicles including ATVs, UTVs, side-by-sides, dirt bikes, Jeeps, 4x4 trucks, and custom rock crawlers. There is something for every off-road discipline at this event.
Eagle Ranch Resorts in Jay, OK is the #1 lodging choice for Big Meat Run visitors — just 20 minutes from Disney. Luxury nature cabins with full resort amenities for individuals, families, and large groups. Book your cabin early — spots sell out weeks before event weekend.
The Big Meat Run was founded by John Sumner and grew entirely by word of mouth over 20+ years. The event's competitive racing and park operations are now managed through AOA Park, the new park owners bringing a fresh chapter to this legendary Northeast Oklahoma off-road tradition.
Searching for Big Meat Run places to stay, Grand Lake cabin rentals, Disney OK lodging, or accommodations near Jay, Grove, or surrounding Northeast Oklahoma communities? Eagle Ranch Resorts serves visitors from across the entire region.
Only 20 minutes from Disney, OK. Eagle Ranch Resorts — luxury cabins, full resort amenities, and the raw beauty of Northeast Oklahoma right outside your door. Don't wait until it's sold out.
Book Your Stay Today