For one Tennessee family, camping wasn’t just a pastime, it became a way of life. Twenty years ago, after selling their first KOA campground in Virginia, Ron Kaly and his wife, Libby, realized how much the outdoor hospitality business had meant to their family and decided to jump back in. This year, their Nashville East/Lebanon KOA Journey celebrates two decades of camping and warm KOA hospitality, with the next generation now proudly carrying the torch, KOA said in a release.
The story began with four young boys and parents who loved the outdoors. “We wanted a business we could run as a family, something the kids could learn from while allowing us to spend more time together,” said Libby Kaly, former owner of the Nashville East/Lebanon KOA Journey before passing ownership to her sons.
They started with the Natural Bridge/Lexington KOA Journey in Virginia, which they ran for nine years before moving to Tennessee. Looking for their next chapter, they found the Lebanon property — which was not yet a KOA — and quickly converted it, drawn once again to KOA’s trusted reputation and family-friendly vision.
Over the past two decades, the family has transformed the Nashville East/Lebanon KOA Journey into a modern and welcoming destination, KOA said. Ron and Libby have since retired, and the couple’s sons have stepped in with fresh energy and ideas.
“They grew up in this business and know every aspect of it, from great customer service to repairing and building,” Libby shared. “Their years of experience and love for this work give them such an advantage as the camping industry continues to evolve.”
Some of their fondest memories are rooted in themed weekends where their children, and even their children’s friends, would run events in costume, making guests laugh and creating lifelong friendships. For them, running a KOA has always been about more than business: it’s a communal lifestyle filled with connections, stories and shared experiences.
Today’s guests will find a remodeled pool and recreation area, with new grills and outdoor games being added. Future plans include more deluxe cabins, additional full-hookup sites and a stocked fishing pond, the company said. The campground also continues to host beloved traditions like its annual chili cookoff, set for Nov. 1 this year, featuring prizes, entertainment and plenty of family fun.
The Nashville East/Lebanon KOA Journey features spacious RV sites, Deluxe Cabins, a swimming pool, KampK9 dog park, outdoor recreation areas and convenient access to downtown Nashville. As a KOA Journey, it offers a balance of amenities and activities designed to make it the perfect basecamp for exploring Music City or simply relaxing with family.
With four grandchildren already showing interest in following the family’s footsteps, the next chapter looks bright. “We had never owned our own business before, but KOA’s training and support made it possible and enjoyable,” the family said. “We’re grateful for the comradery of other KOA owners and proud to continue growing this park as we train the next generation.”
The Nashville East/Lebanon KOA Journey is one of more than 500 KOA campgrounds across the U.S. and Canada. Other brands in the KOA Family of Campgrounds include KOA Holidays, designed as the ideal base camp for the great outdoors, offering plenty of activities and amenities for every type of camper. KOA Resorts provide an abundance of staff-led activities, on-site dining, group meeting space and more.
Located at 2100 Safari Camp Road in Lebanon, the Nashville East/Lebanon KOA Journey is open year-round. For more information, visit the campground’s website, or call 1-800-562-7028.
