Welcome to an exciting exploration into the heart of Arkansas, where hidden treasures lie beneath the surface, waiting to be discovered. Nestled within the scenic landscape of Murfreesboro, the Crater of Diamonds State Park stands as a testament to nature’s geological wonders and the allure of precious gemstones. Many have struck it rich diamond hunting at this great park.
In this blog post, we embark on a journey to uncover the mysteries and marvels of the Crater of Diamonds. From the rich history of diamond mining in the region to the thrill of modern-day prospecting, join us as we delve into the fascinating world of diamond hunting.
So, grab your pickaxe, dust off your boots, and embark on a sparkling adventure through the diamond-rich soils of Arkansas. The next dazzling discovery could be just beneath your feet!
We had gone diamond hunting at Crater of Diamonds as part of our first cross-country road trip to the Grand Canyon National Park.
Crater of Diamonds State Park Location
From Little Rock – Travel west on I-30 for approximately 56 miles and take exit #73 at Arkadelphia, then go west on Ark. 51 for six miles, then follow Ark. 26 for approximately 34 miles to Murfreesboro. From the courthouse square in downtown Murfreesboro (North Washington Avenue), travel two miles southeast on Ark. 301 to the park.
From Louisiana – From the Shreveport/Bossier City area, take Louisiana Highway 3 north to the Arkansas state line. As you enter Arkansas, this highway becomes Ark. 29. Travel Ark. 29 north for 23 miles to Hope. Take U.S. 278 north and go 27 miles to Nashville. From Nashville, take Ark. 27 north and go 13 miles to Murfreesboro. At the courthouse square in downtown Murfreesboro (North Washington Avenue), travel two miles southeast on Ark. 301 to the park.
From Texarkana – Go east on I-30 for 30 miles and take Exit #30 at Hope. Take U.S. 278 north and go 27 miles to Nashville. From Nashville, take Ark. 27 north and go 13 miles to Murfreesboro. From the courthouse square in downtown Murfreesboro (North Washington Avenue), travel two miles southeast on Ark. 301 to the park.
Everything You Need to Know to Go Diamond Hunting
Crater of Diamonds Frequently Asked Questions
How big is the Crater of Diamonds State Park?
The park spans over 911 acres, providing ample space for visitors to explore and prospect for diamonds.
Can visitors keep the diamonds they find?
Visitors can keep any diamonds, gemstones, or minerals they discover within the park’s boundaries.
What are the best methods for finding diamonds at the park?
Prospecting methods vary, but popular techniques include surface searching, sifting through gravel, and wet screening.
Are there any amenities available at the park?
The park offers various amenities, including a visitor center, campground, picnic areas, and a water park for recreational activities.
How rare are diamonds found at the Crater of Diamonds?
While diamonds can be found at the park, significant discoveries are rare. However, the thrill of the hunt and the possibility of unearthing a valuable gemstone attract visitors worldwide.
What You Will Need to Dig for Diamonds
When preparing for a diamond-digging adventure at the Crater of Diamonds State Park, having the right tools and equipment to maximize your chances of finding treasures is essential. Here’s a list of items you’ll need:
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- Shovel and Pickaxe: These tools are crucial for digging through the soil and breaking up rocky terrain to access potential diamond-bearing material.
- Screening Equipment: Bring along screens with different mesh sizes to sift through gravel and soil efficiently. This helps separate smaller rocks and debris from potential diamonds and other gemstones.
- Bucket or Container: Use a sturdy bucket or container to collect the material you’ll be screening. This makes transporting and managing your finds easier as you sift through them.
- Water: Carry plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially if you’re digging under the sun for an extended period.
- Sun Protection: Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to shield yourself from the sun’s harmful rays.
- Comfortable Clothing and Footwear: Dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes suitable for walking and digging.
- Storage Containers: Pack small containers or pouches to safely store valuable finds.
- Patience and Persistence: Diamond hunting can be an exciting but challenging endeavor. Be prepared to spend time digging, sifting, and searching patiently for your sparkling treasure
How to Dig for Diamonds
The easiest way to dig for diamonds is to use your hands, or a small tool to turn the soil. Then you can simply pick through the loose solid by hand.
We decided to dig in the soil and screen for diamonds. It was rather simple with the tools we had brought along. We would use our shovel and dig a few inches down into the soil. Next, we would add the soil to our bucket and head to the washing pavilion.
There are two washing pavilions in the field. Here you use the troughs of water to wash away the soil. This is where you must keep a keen eye. You don’t want to miss that once-in-a-lifetime diamond find.
There are numerous minerals found in the Crater of Diamonds. We collected all the rocks that looked interesting. You can take your find to the Discovery Center, and have one of the Rangers identify your treasure.
Unfortunately, we did not find any diamonds. However, we did leave with some quartz and jasper.
Crater of Diamonds Campground
If you’re planning a trip to the Crater of Diamonds State Park and looking for accommodation options, you might consider staying at the park’s campground.
The campground is conveniently located within the Crater of Diamonds State Park, providing easy access to the diamond search area and other park amenities. Their campground offers a range of facilities to make your stay comfortable. This includes RV hookups, tent sites, and cabins for rent. The RV sites feature electric and water hookups, while the tent sites offer a more rustic camping experience. The cabins provide a cozy retreat with amenities such as heating and air conditioning.
During our stay, park staff kept the campground well-maintained and clean. Restrooms and shower facilities are regularly cleaned, ensuring a pleasant camping experience.
Staying at the Crater of Diamonds Campground offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of nature while hunting for diamonds. Whether camping in an RV, pitching a tent, or staying in a cabin, the campground provides a comfortable and convenient base for exploring all the park offers.
Reservations can easily be made on the Crater of Diamonds State Park website.
Campground Review
Crater of Diamonds State Park is one of the nicest State Parks we have camped at. We stayed for two nights and enjoyed a full day of digging for diamonds.
Our campsite was level, well kept, and offer plenty some privacy. The bath houses and shower facilities were clean and well kept as well.
This is a perfect state park to set up the RV and relax. Of course, the diamond mine, and water park, are a nice addition.
We highly recommend adding this stop to your RV itinerary.
Our Experience at Crater of Diamonds State Park
The first thing we learned was to have realistic expectations. Of course, we had dreams of leaving with a large diamond. We had images that we were going to strike it rich by strolling around the park and finding a diamond just laying around. This unfortunately was not the case. However, on average, more than 600 diamonds are found each year.
We did spend a full day out in the minefield digging and sifting through the mud. It was certainly hot. However, we were well prepared and had a great experience digging for diamonds.
Of course, after s long day of digging in the mud, we spent the afternoon at the onsite water park.
This was a great stop as we made out way west on our first ever cross-country RV journey.
We highly recommend adding this awesome State Park to your list of adventures.
We love to hear from our followers. Please leave a comment below.
Have you ever visited Crater of Diamonds State Park? Were you lucky enough to find a diamond? Do you have any tips about camping at Crater of Diamonds or any diamond hunting tips to share?
