Campground spotlight: Lime Saddle

Visitors to Northern California's hill country soon learn that Lime Saddle Campground bears no connection to green cowboys. But if you're looking for a restful, wooded place to park the rig just south of Paradise, then Lime Saddle is your bet. Paradise? Yep, that little town just southeast of Chico.

Lime Saddle is the newest of the California State Parks' campgrounds on Lake Oroville. Perched on a hillside overlooking a marina that resembles a houseboat nesting area, Lime Saddle proves a popular spot to get away from the hustle. Most of the 51 sites here are nicely wooded, and 15 of them are dedicated full-hookup spots, including a few pull-throughs.

For anyone who wants more than just a place to kick back, you won't have far to go for more activity. Right next door to Lime Saddle is a great place to drop your boat for some fishing or loafing. The Lake Oroville State Recreation Area also offers a 41-mile mountain-bike trail, picnic areas and a swim beach.

Opened in June 2001, Lime Saddle Campground is just 16 miles north of Oroville. Take State Highway 70 north to Pentz Road. Turn left on Pentz and then right on Lime Saddle Road and follow the signs to the campground.

And what about that name, Lime Saddle? It seems that the campground sits in a saddle-shape depression on a hill near a spot where lime was once mined. The romance maybe gone, but the beauty remains.