Guest Rules & Plolicies

Guest Rules & Policies – Sinking Creek Ranch

By entering Sinking Creek Ranch, you acknowledge and accept all inherent risks associated with a rural outdoor property and agree to follow all rules and policies below.

All activities are undertaken at your own risk — rules below are strictly enforced
1. Assumption of Risk
  • Uneven ground, rocks, hills, and natural obstacles throughout the property
  • All bridges on the property have no guardrails or handrails — use extreme caution at all times
  • Wildlife and livestock interaction
  • Water hazards including creeks and ponds
  • Fire-related risks
  • Weather and environmental conditions
  • Limited visibility at night — use extreme caution near bridges and water features after dark
  • Outdoor recreation and off-road vehicle use
2. General Safety
  • You are responsible for your own safety and your group at all times
  • The ranch does not supervise guest activities
  • Carry a flashlight at night — lighting is limited throughout the property
  • All bridges have no guardrails or handrails — use extreme caution, especially after dark
  • Emergency response may be delayed due to the rural location — you are responsible for your own medical care
3. Water & Creek
  • No lifeguard on duty at any time
  • Water depth, current, and footing change without warning — check conditions before entering
  • Surfaces may be slippery or unstable
  • Stay out of the creek during or after heavy rain
  • Cow ponds are not for swimming
  • Children must be closely supervised within arm’s reach at all water features at all times
  • Use of all water areas is entirely at your own risk
4. Off-Road Vehicles (ATV, UTV, SxS, Dirt Bike)
  • Helmets required for ALL riders — adults and children — strictly prohibited without one
  • Operating any vehicle under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited
  • Seat belts must be worn where applicable
  • Maximum speed of 15 mph near all campsites and guest areas
  • No riding during quiet hours: 9 PM to 7 AM
  • Daylight riding only unless approved by ranch staff
  • You are responsible for all passengers including minors
  • Vehicles must be properly maintained and operated safely
5. Trails & Property
  • All trails are unmarked — no maps, markers, or directional signage exist on the property
  • You are responsible for knowing your location at all times — GPS strongly recommended
  • Let someone know your plans before exploring trails or riding into the forest
  • Property borders Mark Twain National Forest — know where you are at all times
  • The ranch is not responsible for anything beyond property boundaries
6. Fire
  • Fires in designated fire pits only
  • Fires must be attended at all times
  • Fully extinguish fires before leaving your site or going to sleep
  • Obey all active burn bans — no exceptions
  • Do not gather wood from the property — purchase on-site or bring your own
  • No fireworks, sky lanterns, or open flame devices of any kind on the property
  • No open flames on or within 10 feet of any tent or deck — strictly prohibited
  • You are responsible for all fire use and safety
7. Ranch Animals & Guest Pets
  • Livestock including horses are present — animals can kick, bite, or react unpredictably without warning
  • Feeding animals including horses is permitted but entirely at your own risk
  • Some fencing on the property is electric — do not touch or lean on any fencing
  • Do not enter any area marked or posted as restricted
  • Children must be closely supervised around all animals at all times
  • Guest pets must be supervised and leashed in all shared areas
  • Pets must not disturb guests, livestock, or wildlife
  • You are responsible for all injury or damage caused by your animals
8. Conduct & Alcohol
  • Quiet hours: 9 PM to 7 AM — no exceptions
  • No disruptive behavior, parties, or unauthorized guests on the property
  • Alcohol is permitted for guests 21+ only — consume responsibly at all times
  • Operating any vehicle or engaging in any hazardous activity under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited
  • You are responsible for your behavior and the behavior of your group at all times
9. Site Use & Cleanliness
  • Leave your site clean and free of all trash, debris, and pet waste
  • Do not damage property, trees, structures, or land
  • No modifications to property of any kind
  • Keep all items within your designated site boundaries
  • Additional charges may apply for damage or excessive cleaning
10. Prohibited Activities — Violations Result in Immediate Removal Without Refund
  • Operating any vehicle or equipment under the influence of alcohol
  • Reckless or unsafe operation of off-road vehicles
  • Fireworks, sky lanterns, or open flame devices
  • Open flames on or within 10 feet of any tent or deck
  • Entering any area marked or posted as restricted
  • Disturbing wildlife or livestock
  • Illegal substances on the property
  • Firearms or weapons of any kind
  • Unsafe behavior around fire, water, animals, or other guests
  • Disturbances during quiet hours (9 PM to 7 AM)
11. Right to Enforce Policies
  • Sinking Creek Ranch reserves the right to enforce all rules and policies at its sole discretion
  • Failure to comply may result in immediate removal without refund
  • Additional charges may be applied for damage, excessive cleaning, or policy violations
  • Violations may result in restrictions on future bookings
  • Violations involving unsafe behavior, threats, or illegal activity may result in law enforcement involvement

Every guest 18+ must sign our waiver before entering the property.

CLICK HERE to complete yours now.