I took a little ride out to Barkcamp State Park this past week.

The trip was for work, not for pleasure — but I have found it is almost always a pleasure to visit this gem tucked away in the hills of Belmont County.

I went to the park on Thursday to take some photographs. They were to accompany an article by our newest reporter — Kailey Carpino — about an upcoming camp for children to be hosted at the park.

As I made my way through the campgrounds, I was surprised to see just how many people were making the most of those facilities. Dozens of campers and a few tents populated those well-groomed sites. And people weren’t holed up inside their homes away from home. Instead, they were out and about, enjoying the park’s amenities.

Some people were grilling up their dinner. Others were walking their dogs. And I came upon one small group mounted on horseback, trotting and galloping around the Wilbur “Gibby” Gibson Horse Camp.

Of course I feel fortunate to have a job where I have the opportunity to visit special places and meet new people. But I also feel very lucky to live and work so close to a top-notch state park.

If you haven’t been to Barkcamp in a while, or if (heaven forbid) you’ve never been there, I’ll tell you about some of what you’re missing.

At the center of the park is the 117-acre Belmont Lake. Hand-powered vessels and boats with electric motors are permitted, along with fishing, kayaking, and swimming at the designated beach.

Surrounding the lake is a second-growth forest, which allows a glimpse of what Ohio’s woodlands looked like decades ago. Those trees conceal a wide variety of wildlife and offer the perfect setting for hunting, picnicking, hiking, horesback riding and a variety of winter recreation.

One newer feature is the Storybook Trail, a half-mile jaunt that presents a children’s story in illustrated segments.

The park also features a handicap accessible 18-hole miniature golf course, a volleyball court at the beach, basketball courts in the campground and a Nature Center in the Anique Barn that bears an original Mail Pouch Tobacco painted by Harley Warrick himself sign on its exterior.

I visited Barkcamp all the time as a kid, and I can tell you that it has only gotten better with age.

So, the next time you or the kids or grandkids are bored and looking for something to do, look no further than Barkcamp. It is located just south of Interstate 70 off exit 208 and near the village of Belmont. Come on over and enjoy!