Planning your first boat or jet ski rental with Smoky Mountain H2O Sports? We want your day on Douglas Lake to be as smooth, relaxing, and fun as possible. Here are some insider tips that will help you arrive prepared and feel like a seasoned lake-goer from the moment you pull in.
One of the biggest tips we can give first-time visitors is to carpool whenever possible. Parking at H2O is limited, especially during busy summer weekends and holidays.
Fewer cars make parking simpler and help your group check in and get on the water more quickly.
When you arrive, don't stop at the top of the hill.
Pull all the way down to the office and unload your coolers, bags, and other gear near the ice chest. This makes loading much easier and prevents you from carrying supplies long distances later.
After unloading, drivers can move their vehicles to the designated parking area.
When parking, please parallel park along the driveway and make sure all four tires are completely off the pavement.
This helps keep traffic flowing safely and allows room for other guests, golf carts, and H2O operations throughout the day.
If anyone in your group has mobility challenges, please call us before your rental day.
Our team can make special preparations to help guests board safely and comfortably. The more notice we have, the better we can accommodate your needs and make sure everyone enjoys their time on the water.
A day on Douglas Lake can work up an appetite.
We do offer snacks and drinks in the office, but we don't have meal-sized food available. If you'll be spending several hours on the water, we strongly recommend bringing lunch, snacks, and plenty of drinks for your group.
Don't forget:
A little preparation goes a long way toward making your lakeday more enjoyable.
Once you're checked in and have completed your orientation, it's time to relax and enjoy one of East Tennessee's most beautiful lakes.
Whether you're tubing, swimming, fishing, sightseeing, or simply cruising, Douglas Lake offers plenty of room to spread out and make memories with family and friends.
After your rental is over, bring your vehicle back down near the office to load your belongings.
If your vehicle is parked farther away, don't worry. Our golf cart shuttle is available to help transport guests. If you'd rather not make the walk, just hop on the golf cart and we'll help get you where you need to go.
Before heading home, make sure you stop by the office window to complete the checkout process.
Most rentals require fuel charges based on usage, so we'll need to settle that before you leave. Our staff will inspect the vessel, finalize your rental, and answer any questions about your day on the water.
Skipping checkout can delay your departure, so be sure to stop by before loading up and heading out.
Many first-time renters don't realize that boating is a service industry where tipping is a common practice.
Our team helps with parking guidance, loading gear, safety orientations, docking assistance, fueling, shuttle rides, and making sure your entire day runs smoothly.
While tipping is always optional, many guests choose to show their appreciation for great service. Some leave a percentage of their rental cost, while others commonly tip $20–$50 per vessel.
Any amount is appreciated, but most importantly, our goal is to make sure you have an incredible experience on the water.
A little preparation can make a big difference when visiting Smoky Mountain H2O Sports for the first time. Arrive ready, follow these simple tips, and you'll spend less time worrying about logistics and more time making memories on Douglas Lake.
We can't wait to welcome you to the lake and help create an unforgettable day on the water. If you have any questions before your visit, give us a call, we're always happy to help.
