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
- Check-in after 4:00 PM, check-out before 10:00 AM
- 10 guests max, primary renter 25 or older, picture ID at check-in
- Dogs only, up to two, $150 pet fee per stay, never on furniture or left alone unkenneled. Emotional support animals are not exempt
- No smoking, no parties or group events
- Dock in season mid-April to mid-October; kids under 14 wear a PFD in the water; no diving from the dock
- Hot tub: six people max, 102°F max, no glass, under 5 not permitted
- Fire pit and watercraft at your own risk; return kayaks to the rack
- 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.
Dock Rules
About the Dock →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
Firepit Rules
About the Firepit →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
Watercraft Rules
About Kayaks & Paddle Boards →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
Pet Rules
About Dog Friendly →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.
Hot Tub Rules
About the Hot Tub →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.