FAQ | Tippy Canoe Cabin | Douglas Lake Cabin Rental Sevierville TN

General Information

Q: What time is check-in and check-out?

A: Check-in at Tippy Canoe Cabin is at 4:00 PM and check-out is at 10:00 AM. This window allows our professional team to ensure the cabin is spotless and the hot tub is fully sanitized for your arrival. Early check-ins or late check-outs may be accommodated upon request, depending on availability.

Q: How do I access the property?

A: You will receive a digital key code at least 24 hours before your check-in date. Use this code to access the smart lock on the front door for a seamless, contactless arrival.

Q: Is there a "mountain road" to the cabin?

A: Yes. Tippy Canoe Cabin sits on a ridge inside Douglas Lake Resort in Sevierville, TN — perched high for the best panoramic lake and mountain views. The roads are paved and maintained by the resort, but they include steep inclines and curves. While standard cars manage well in the summer, we strongly recommend AWD or 4WD during winter months or inclement weather.

Q: How do we access Douglas Lake?

A: As our guest, you have full access to the Douglas Lake Resort boat ramp and loading dock, located just a 2-minute drive from the cabin. While the cabin offers stunning ridge-top views of Douglas Lake, water access is managed through these community resort amenities.

Q: Is the lake water always high?

A: Douglas Lake is a TVA-managed reservoir. Water levels are typically at "Full Pool" from late May through Labor Day. During the fall and winter, levels are lowered, revealing the shoreline and islands. Our mountain views are spectacular year-round, but boat ramp access is seasonal and subject to TVA water levels.

Q: What wildlife and insects should I expect?

A: You are in the heart of the Smoky Mountains! Frequent visitors include raccoons, deer, and squirrels. We have had bear activity in the area, so please be aware of your surroundings and never leave food or trash outside. Regarding insects: while we have regular professional pest control, seasonal "mountain visitors" like Asian beetles, wasps, or stink bugs may occasionally find their way in. We do not offer refunds for nature's neighbors.

Q: Are there security cameras?

A: Yes. For your safety and the security of our home, we have one external camera monitoring the entry point and driveway. This records video only. There are no cameras in any private areas or the hot tub zone.


Amenities & Features

Q: Is Wi-Fi available?

A: Yes, we provide complimentary high-speed fiber Wi-Fi, making this Douglas Lake cabin ideal for remote work, 4K streaming, and lag-free gaming in the loft.

Q: What is provided during our stay?

A: We provide "Starter Supplies" intended to get you through your first 24–48 hours. This includes all linens and towels, two rolls of toilet paper per bathroom, two trash bags, one roll of paper towels, and a small supply of dish soap and laundry pods. Extra pillows and throws are also available. For longer stays, guests should plan to purchase additional supplies. Please know that we do our absolute best to keep our supplies stocked, but there are times when we are not able to get to the cabin for re-stocking.  There is a Dollar General about 10 minutes from the cabin. 

Q: What should I expect for the kitchen?

A: The kitchen is fully equipped with cookware, dishes, and basic staples like salt, pepper, and cooking oil. Due to health and safety standards, we do not provide open condiments. We recommend a grocery run for your specific needs at the Food City (closest to the cabin), Kroger or Publix in Sevierville, located about 15–20 minutes from the cabin.

Q: What about the hot tub?

A: Our 6-person hot tub is professionally drained and sanitized between every guest. You may hear the automated filtration system cycling-this low hum is a sign that the water is being kept perfectly clean, filtered, and heated for your arrival.

Q: Is there a washer and dryer?

A: Yes, a washer and dryer are available for small loads only. We provide starter detergent. If you have skin sensitivities or allergies, we recommend bringing your own preferred supplies.

Q: Can we use the community amenities?

A: Yes! As a guest of Tippy Canoe Cabin, you have access to the seasonal Douglas Lake Resort pool (Memorial Day–Labor Day) and the community boat launch. Please note the HOA has specific rules that guests are expected to follow while using these shared spaces.

House Rules

Q: Can I host events or parties?

A: To maintain a peaceful environment for our neighbors in Douglas Lake Resort, events, family gatherings, or parties are not permitted. Occupancy is strictly limited to registered guests only.

Q: We have friends staying nearby, can they visit us at the cabin?

A: Due to liability and safety requirements, occupancy is limited to registered guests only. Please make plans to visit with friends or family at other local establishments or community areas.

Q: Is smoking allowed?

A: Smoking, illegal drug use and vaping are strictly prohibited anywhere on our property, including the decks and all outdoor spaces.

Q: Are there quiet hours?

A: Yes. The community observes quiet hours from 11:00 PM to 8:00 AM. We ask that you keep outdoor voices and music at a respectful level during these times.

Q: What should I do with our trash?

A: To keep our local wildlife safe and away from the cabin, never leave trash outside. All household trash must be bagged and taken to the resort's secure dumpsters located near the entrance before you depart. The entrance to the dumpster area is located on the left side of the enclosure.

Reservations & Policies

Q: What are your specific booking policies?

A: To maintain the high standards of our home, we require the following:

- The primary booking guest must be at least 25 years old.
- The booking guest must provide a government-issued ID and a "selfie" verification holding the ID.
- A signed rental agreement must be completed within 24 hours of booking. (If arriving within 1 day of booking, we require the documentation within 4 hours of accepting your booking).
- A $500 refundable security deposit hold is required.
- New renters must have a current Airbnb or VRBO profile to be uploaded with the booking request.

Q: Is it really cheaper to book directly with you?

A: Yes and often significantly so. When you book through Airbnb or VRBO, those platforms add service fees that can range from 14–20% on top of the base rate. Those fees go entirely to the platform, not to us. When you book direct at thetippycanoecabin.com, you pay our base rate with no third-party markup. We use dynamic pricing software that keeps our rates competitive with the market, so you're getting the fairest price without the platform surcharge.

Q: Are there any perks to booking direct or returning as a guest?

A: Yes! Guests who book direct are our preferred guests, and we love taking care of you. Return guests and direct bookers may be eligible for early check-in or late checkout when availability allows-just ask us closer to your arrival date. These accommodations are subject to availability and cannot be honored on same-day turnovers, but we do our best to make it happen when we can.

Q: What is your cancellation policy?

A: We strictly follow the cancellation policy detailed in your specific rental agreement. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment in case of unexpected changes to your travel plans.

Q: How do I extend my stay?

A: If you would like to stay longer, please contact us as soon as possible. Extensions are subject to availability and will be processed at the current nightly rate.