ABOUT US + HISTORY
River deer run rv park
Meet the owner
Meet Gary Key, our dedicated owner at River Deer Run RV Park. A proud Greene County native and the youngest of five siblings, Gary's upbringing was steeped in the values of hard work and perseverance, instilled by his parents from a young age. Gary's life reflects his relentless work ethic—he spent years in public service before venturing into entrepreneurship over 25 years ago. Today, as a father to three daughters and four grandchildren, Gary's commitment extends beyond business; family is at the heart of everything he does. Alongside his fiancée Julie, Gary finds joy in traveling the world, spending time with family, and making the RV resort the amazing hidden gem that it is!
located in rural east tennessee
our history
When Gary acquired the property, it was engulfed in overgrown weeds and trees. Always with a vision in mind, he embarked on a mission to restore it to its current splendor, dedicating countless hours to the task. Over the years, the land served as hay grounds and a cherished venue for annual chili cook-offs and family fish fries. During his travels, Gary witnessed the growing enthusiasm for camping among people, prompting him to study numerous campgrounds for inspiration. With a clear plan in place, he broke ground on what would become River Deer Run RV Park, a testament to his unwavering determination to create a lasting legacy on this beautiful piece of property.
Katies Story
The campground honors Gary’s youngest daughter, Katie, who tragically passed away at 17 during her senior year of high school. When Gary designed the park, he wanted his whole family to be part of it, so he named the main road Katie Blvd in her memory. Inside the campground, he kept this theme by naming each of the four rows after his grandchildren, who bring him immense pride and joy. These gestures show Gary’s enduring love for Katie and the importance of family at River Deer Run RV Park.