Fort Sunsets · Douglas Lake
Plan Your Trip
Everything beyond the property line, grouped by what you are trying to do: get here, play, eat, pick a season, meet the people behind the Fort, and see where it all sits.
Getting Here & Essentials
Groceries, ice, a forgotten razor, and the lay of the land around Dandridge.
Beyond the Lake
Area Essentials
Out of coke, or forgot your razor? Maybe the car isn’t sounding quite right, or you just need some ice real quick! Or, the sun’s going down you gotta get some Klondike Bars and a bottle of wine! Don’t you judge, y’all know what I’m talkin’ about! Whatever y…
Area Guide
Beyond the Lake
So Much to Do, So Little Time…. We are incredibly lucky to be located so conveniently near some of the most fun, most versatile, and most abundant attractions in all the…
Play
Dollywood, the Smokies, rafting, zip lines, and the family-fun circuit in Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.
Beyond the Lake
Family Fun
Family time is everything. Your Home in the Smokies is ideally suited to make all kinds of family memories, of course, but if you wish to explore a little further afield for some family fun, we’ve got you covered! Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg (…
Beyond the Lake
Adventure & Nature
In the very near vicinity of your Home in the Smokies, and endless array of options for adventure awaits! Our topography is ideally suited for both thrill seekers and those looking for some quiet alone time in nature to recenter and rebalance. Whether you’r…
Beyond the Lake
Seasonal Attractions
East Tennessee has something to offer visitors all year long. Whether you’re taking the kids to ski or ice skate at Ober Gatlinburg or watching the synchronized fireflies in the summer time, fishing tournaments, or the Harvest Festival in the fall, there is…
Eat & Shop
Retail therapy at the outlets, antiques and western wear, and where we actually eat.
Seasons at the Lake
What Fort Sunsets looks like in spring, summer, fall and winter, and why the evenings are the show.
At the Fort
Four Seasons of Beautiful
Spring dogwoods, summer at full volume, an autumn that ignites the ridges, and winter’s Douglas Lake diamonds. There is no off season here.
At the Fort
Storms & Sunsets
Golden evenings, mirror-calm water, and the pavilion lit up after dark. The sky is the entertainment here.
Our Story
A Tennessee boy, a Georgia girl, the friends who helped, and how the Fort came to be.
Our Story
About
Although Smoky Mountain Lakeside was only recently born, this story began long ago, in the heart of a boy from East Tennessee who, despite spending decades traveling all…
Our Story
You Had Me From Hello
Well, here we are! I can’t begin to tell y’all how many years this has been in the coming, but it’s here! I never dared imagine that it would, but by the grace and blessing of God, our dream has become reality, and we are so excited to share it now with y’a…
Our Story
Back Where I Come From
I had her from “Hello!” Growing up here in east Tennessee, the youngest son of a Korean War vet-turned cop and a Bell South operator, I never dared to dream that something like Fort Sunsets could ever be a part of my life. I spent many hours fishing and pl…
Our Story
Friends of The Fort
Sometimes we all need a local professional. May we humbly offer a few referrals, for all of whom we can personally vouch, should you find yourself in need of a helpful hand. These ladies and gents are all amazing! Realtor Donnie Day, Day & Associates donnie…
Before You Book
Good to Know
The floating dock is in from mid-April through mid-October, weather dependent. It has a full-size boat slip, two jet ski ports, a kayak launch, and a swim ladder.
About the dock →No. Motorized watercraft are not provided, but local rental companies deliver pontoons and jet skis right to the dock, and we are happy to share our favorites. Kayaks and paddle boards are included.
Kayaks & paddle boards →Yes. Up to two dogs of any breed or size, approved at booking, with a $150 pet fee per stay. Dogs only, no history of biting or aggression, and one large kennel is provided.
Pet rules →Check-in is after 4:00 PM and check-out is before 10:00 AM. A valid picture ID is required at check-in, and the primary renter must be at least 25.
Ten guests. Three private king bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, plus twin day beds and convertible lounge chairs in the rec room that sleep four more.
The bedrooms →High-speed WiFi and a dedicated workspace with a live-edge desk beside the French doors, looking out at the lake.
Two adult kayaks, two child-sized kayaks, two stand-up paddle boards, and life jackets in adult and child sizes. Children under 14 wear a Coast Guard-approved PFD in the water.
97% refund if canceled 60 or more days before arrival, 50% refund at 30 to 59 days, and no refund within 30 days of arrival.
Full policy →Yes. It seats six, stays at or below 102°F, and sits at the water's edge next to the fire pit. Children under 5 are not permitted and under 12 need an adult.
The hot tub →No. Our prices include all fees. The only extras are the pet fee if you bring a dog and any damage charged at actual cost.
Everything else, from dock rules to the pet policy, is on the House Rules page.
The Neighborhood
Dandridge, Tennessee
Conveniently located on the outskirts of historic Dandridge, TN, Fort Sunsets is within a short drive to all the fun of Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Not too far away you’ll find a wide selection of activities that cater to everyone, including white water rafting, hiking, zip lining, shopping, horseback riding, antiquing, go carting, arcades, fishing, tubing, water skiing, snow skiing, and still more!
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS)
45 min drive