Crater of Diamonds State Park is the world’s eighth-largest diamond-bearing volcanic crater and the only one open to the public. Crater of Diamonds includes a 37-acre field where you can dig for diamonds. In addition, any diamonds or minerals you find are yours to keep.
In addition to the diamond mine, there is a great campground on-site and even a small water park. We had the pleasure of staying two nights here as we traveled west to the Grand Canyon National Park.
Here we review the Crater of Diamonds State Park and give you tips on how to dig for that special diamond in the rough.
Crater of Diamonds State Park Location
209 State Park Rd, Murfreesboro, Arkansas
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.
Crater of Diamonds Campground
The Crater of Diamonds State Park includes a beautiful tree-shaded campground. The campground offers 47 campsites with full-hook-ups. In addition, most of the sites have a tent pad as well, and there are five tent-only sites. The campground includes two modern bathhouses with hot showers and a dump station. Click here to make reservations online.
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.
Everything You Need to Know to Dig for Diamonds
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the diamonds real? Is it possible to find a REAL diamond while visiting Crater of Diamonds? Why is there a diamond field in Arkansas?
The 37-acre plowed field is the top of an eroded surface of an ancient, diamond-bearing volcanic crater. As the field is plowed and eroded the minerals, including diamonds, are exposed.
On average, visitors find two diamonds per day at Crater of Diamonds State Park. Since the official opening of the field as a state park, visitors have found over 29,000 diamonds!
The Uncle Sam diamond is the largest diamond found. This is the largest diamond ever found in the United States. The uncut gem weighed in at. 40.23 carats
What You Will Need to Dig for Diamonds
Technically you could get lucky and find a diamond on the surface. However, most enjoy digging and sifting through the dirt. You can rent equipment from the park. However, we recommend bringing your own.
- Keep an eye on the weather. Rain will turn the field into mud! In addition, prepare for the Arkansas heat, and sun.
- Bring tools and a bucket. We brought a small shovel and a bucket. We used these to collect soil. However, we did rent the sifting screen. Once we collected the soil we went to the sifting stations. Here you can use the water to sift through the soil.
- Pack snacks and drinks. Again, being in the sun all day can take its toll on you. Backpacks are allowed out in the field. We highly suggest packing snacks and drinks for the day. Especially if you are visiting during the summer.
- Dress Appropriately. We recommended wearing old sneakers or rubber boots. In addition plan on getting dirty, and wearing clothes you are willing to mess up. If digging in the summer you may want a hat as well.
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.
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 mining tips to share?
