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Fort Sunsets · Know Before You Go

House Rules

Everything in one place: the basics, the cancellation policy, water safety, and the posted rules for every part of the property. The same rules also appear on each feature page.

Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

The Short Version

  1. Check-in after 4:00 PM, check-out before 10:00 AM
  2. 10 guests max, primary renter 25 or older, picture ID at check-in
  3. Dogs only, up to two, $150 pet fee per stay, never on furniture or left alone unkenneled. Emotional support animals are not exempt
  4. No smoking, no parties or group events
  5. Dock in season mid-April to mid-October; kids under 14 wear a PFD in the water; no diving from the dock
  6. Hot tub: six people max, 102°F max, no glass, under 5 not permitted
  7. Fire pit and watercraft at your own risk; return kayaks to the rack
  8. 97% refund 60+ days out, 50% at 30 to 59 days, none inside 30 days

The full rules below are what you agree to when you book.

Cancellation Policy

97% refund if canceled 60+ days before arrival.

50% refund if canceled 30-59 days before arrival.

No refund within 30 days of arrival.

Water Safety

Life jackets provided in adult and child sizes — please use them

Children must be supervised near the water at all times

No diving from the dock

Use of dock, hot tub, watercraft, and fire pit at own risk

Wildlife: Douglas Lake is home to bald eagles, herons, and various fish species. Please respect the wildlife and do not feed them.

Motorized vehicles are not provided but may be rented with local rental companies.

Floating Dock Rules

All guests use the dock at their own risk

Children under 13 must be accompanied by a supervising adult on the dock at all times

No running, roughhousing, or horseplay on the dock — the surface can be slippery when wet

Wear appropriate footwear on the dock — flip flops and bare feet increase slip risk, especially when wet

Maximum dock capacity: 8 persons — do not overload the dock or any single section

No glass containers anywhere on the dock — use plastic or aluminum only

Keep the dock clear of clutter — store equipment, lines, and personal items properly after use

All children under 14 must wear a properly fitted Coast Guard-approved PFD while in the water

The dock moves with water and wave action — expect movement, especially when boats pass

Do not jump repeatedly or deliberately rock the dock

Distribute weight evenly — do not cluster all guests on one side or end

Do not anchor or tie additional watercraft to the dock outside of designated ports without host permission

Do not attach ropes, hammocks, chairs, or any items to dock hardware not designed for them

Dock Safety

Do not swim under the dock or between moored watercraft

Children and non-swimmers must wear a properly fitted Coast Guard-approved PFD at all times on the dock

Keep all lines, cords, and straps clear of the walking surface to prevent tripping

Kayak Port Rules

Kayaks must be returned to their designated port after every use — do not leave them floating or beached elsewhere

Secure kayaks with the provided lines after docking — do not leave them loose

Load and unload kayaks from a seated or kneeling position — do not stand in a kayak while at the port

Do not use the kayak port area as a swimming area when kayaks are being launched or returned

Paddles must be stored in the designated rack — never left across the port opening or on the dock surface

Check kayak hulls for damage each time before and after use and report anything immediately

Maximum one kayak per port — do not stack or double-up

Environmental Rules

Never discharge waste, fuel, or any fluids into the lake

Do not throw trash, food, or fishing waste from the dock

Be aware of and respect any protected shoreline areas, nesting zones, or seasonal restrictions on the lake

Minimize wake near the shoreline to reduce erosion

Liability & Damage

All dock and watercraft use is at the guest’s own risk

The host is not responsible for injuries, accidents, or loss of personal property occurring on or around the dock

Damage resulting from rule violations, reckless behavior, or negligent operation may be charged against the security deposit or billed directly

Guests who violate safety rules may have dock and watercraft privileges revoked without refund

Before You Light

Check local burn bans (Jefferson County) online before every use

Do not light a fire during high winds, dry conditions, or red flag weather warnings

Never light a fire if you are intoxicated

Fires are permitted only in the designated firepit — no fires on the beach, dock, grass, or anywhere else on the property

Keep a bucket of water, sand, or a fire extinguisher within arm’s reach at all times before lighting — the fire extinguisher is on the pole of the sun deck

Clear the area of chairs, towels, and other flammables before starting a fire

Building & Maintaining the Fire

Do not burn trash, cardboard, treated wood, plywood, pallets, or anything with paint, glue, or chemicals — these release toxic fumes and can cause dangerous flare-ups

Do not burn leaves, brush, or yard debris

Keep the fire to a reasonable size — flames should never exceed 2–3 feet

Never use gasoline, lighter fluid, or accelerants to start or revive a fire

Use provided fire starters or dry kindling only

Do not add excessive wood at once — build up gradually

While the Fire is Burning

Never leave a fire unattended — not even for a few minutes

Maintain a safe distance of at least 3 feet from the firepit at all times

Children must be supervised by an adult and kept at least 5 feet from the fire

No horseplay, running, or pushing near the firepit

Do not throw objects into the fire

Keep pets away from the firepit area

Wear close-toed shoes around the fire

Be mindful of wind direction — reposition seating if smoke shifts toward guests

Do not lean over the fire or attempt to reposition burning logs with your hands — use the provided poker or tongs only

Alcohol & Fire Safety

Designate one sober adult to be responsible for fire management at all times

Intoxicated guests should not sit immediately adjacent to the firepit

No glass containers near the firepit — use plastic or aluminum only

Extinguishing the Fire

Begin extinguishing the fire at least 30 minutes before going inside or to bed — embers stay hot for hours

Pour water slowly over all embers and ash, starting from the outside and working inward

Stir the ash with a poker to expose hidden embers and pour more water

Repeat until everything is cold to the touch — if it is still too warm to hold your hand over it, it is not out

Never leave hot ash or embers overnight — a lakeside breeze can reignite them

Never bury embers thinking they will self-extinguish

Lakeside-Specific Considerations

Be aware that lake breezes can shift suddenly and carry embers toward the property, dock, or trees

Do not position firewood or seating downwind of the lake where gusts are common

Never throw debris, ash, food waste, or anything into the lake — it is illegal and harmful to the ecosystem

Avoid building fires during drought conditions even if a formal burn ban is not in effect

Be mindful of neighbors across the water — sound and smoke carry much farther

Fireworks are strictly prohibited

Firepit Hours & Courtesy

Keep music and noise at a reasonable level while gathered around the fire

Clean up food, drinks, and trash from the seating area before going inside

Liability & Damage

Guests are responsible for any fire-related property damage resulting from rule violations

Any damage to the firepit, tools, or surrounding area may be deducted from the security deposit

Report any safety concerns or equipment issues (cracked firepit, missing tools, missing extinguisher) immediately

Before You Go Out

Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult on the water at all times

Never paddle alone — always go out with at least one other person

Check weather and wind conditions before launching; do not go out in storms or high winds

Inform someone on shore of your planned route and expected return time

Required Safety Equipment

A Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD/life jacket) must be worn by all users at all times — no exceptions

Children under 13 must wear a properly fitted PFD (not just have one in the kayak)

A whistle or signaling device must be taken on every outing

After sunset, a waterproof light is legally required on the water in most states

On the Water

Stay within sight of the property — do not venture into the main channel beyond the land points

Yield to motorized boats; stay close to shore and out of boat traffic lanes

No standing on kayaks

SUP users: always attach the ankle leash before launching

Do not tie kayaks or SUPs together while on open water

No alcohol or substances before or during use

If you capsize, stay with your vessel and signal for help

Equipment Use & Care

Inspect equipment before each use and report any damage immediately — do not use damaged equipment

Return watercraft to their designated storage area after each use

Store paddles with the blades up and secured

Do not drag equipment across rocks, gravel, or rough surfaces — carry boats to the water

Do not overload — observe the weight limit posted on each vessel

No modifications to equipment

Returning & Storage

Store everything exactly as you found it

Report any lost or damaged items immediately — replacement costs may be deducted from the security deposit

Liability & Conditions

Use of all watercraft is entirely at your own risk

The host is not responsible for injuries, accidents, or loss of personal belongings on the water

Equipment found improperly stored or damaged due to negligence may result in additional charges

A $150 pet fee applies per stay for up to two dogs, and we ask that all guests review the pet guidelines below before arriving so that everyone, furry or otherwise, has the best possible time.

Before You Book

Pets are limited to those approved at time of booking.

For health and safety reasons, pets are limited to dogs only.

Pets must have no history of biting or aggression.

A $150 pet fee applies per stay for up to two dogs.

In the House

Pets are not permitted on furniture at any time.

Wet pets are not permitted in the house at any time.

Pets may not be left alone in the house at any time without being properly restrained in a kennel.

One large kennel is provided for guest use. Guest assumes all liability.

On the Grounds & Beyond

Pets must be on-leash when off property; owners must follow all local laws.

Guests are responsible for cleaning up after their pets and ensuring that pet waste is not left on the property grounds. A $100 fee applies.

Guests assume all liability for damage or injury caused by their pets to other persons, property, or animals.

Any damage caused by pets and/or service animals will be charged to the guest at actual cost.

Using the Hot Tub

Maximum 6 guests in the tub at one time

Children under 5 not permitted; under 12 require adult supervision

No glass — plastic or aluminum containers only

Keep the temperature at or below 102°F

Rinse off before entering and before heading back inside

Care & Safety

No soaps, oils, lotions, or bubble bath (damages water chemistry; a remediation fee may apply)

Secure the cover with the provided straps after each use; never stand on it

Exit immediately if you feel dizzy or overheated; never use during storms

Safety Features

Fire extinguisher

First aid kit

Owner Managed

This home is managed by Smoky Mountain Lakeside, a small family-run property management company. We take great pride in every stay.

Questions answered? Pick your dates.