If you get right down to it, there's a place where you can tell your friends and family to "go jump in the lake" and they'll love you for it. That is if they are jumping in Lake Oroville.

But, there's a secret - the early bird gets the worm.

Just think about being warm and comfortable, fully relaxed, talking under the dancing stars or telling your kids ghost stories for the umpteenth time, but this time you're in a tent. Imagine them wildly screaming, bouncing around the lake in their favorite toy in your favorite boat. It's your dream come true.

All you need to do is make reservations - Lake Oroville awaits you. This brings us back to the early bird part because if you want to boat camp on a floating campsite, make your reservations early.

Where is Lake Oroville?

It is in scenic Butte County, 70 miles north of Sacramento. Near Oroville, it is in the upper Sacramento Valley, north on U.S. Route 99 or State Highway 70. In the Saddle Recreation Area, it is just miles away from Paradise. You can't miss seeing the 15,500 surface acres and 167 miles of shoreline.

Once an overnight tent town called Ophir City, Oroville was born in 1848 and means "City of Gold." Don't miss some historical sites like Ishi Monument memorializing the Yahi Indians and the Bidwell Bar Bridge, located a mile upstream from the old bridge's crossing.

Fishing is the prime lure at Lake Oroville with tournaments of Chinook salmon and brown trout, which are planted regularly. It is the only lake in California where Coho salmon are caught.

Keep the kids happy fishing, playing in the water, exploring the marina, hiking or trying horseback riding.

If you don't have a boat, you can rent one. Or better yet, you can even bring your tent and horse if you have one. There is a special campground for horses.

Another way to spend your time is on a floating campsite, Oroville's signature camping experience.

Floating campsites come well-equipped with a sink (bring your own water), a toilet and storage area that can be locked. There's even a place to sleep on the top deck. Boats can also be tied up to the floating campsite.

If you leave something home, the store at one of the two marinas may have what you need.

Summer and spring are touted as the best weather (80-100 degrees), but even fall and winter are pleasant.

There's nothing like cooking on a floating campsite, and the nights are warm and comfortable.

Remember, the motorboats are rockin' and rollin', and the yummy fish are just waiting for you in this uncrowded paradise! Will you be the early bird?