Are you searching for a unique outdoor experience? Just outside the town of Murfreesboro, Arkansas Crater of Diamonds State Park, provides an amazing weekend escape. Here spent a few hours searching for sparkling gems, camped beneath the stars and hiked through beautiful trails—all in one location! Whether you’re searching for diamonds for the first time, or wanting a special getaway in Arkansas, this park offers fun for everyone. This guide will provide important tips for diamond digging, point out the best trails to hike and show you how to enjoy your weekend at the only public diamond mine in the world. All you need is an adventurous spirit.
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How to Get to Crater of Diamonds State Park
Traveling to Crater of Diamonds is just as exciting as the adventure itself, whether you’re driving from a nearby city or flying in for a weekend trip.
By Car:
- From Little Rock, Arkansas (Approx. 1.5 to 2 hours): Take Interstate 30 South toward Texarkana. Take Exit 73A for U.S. Highway 70 West toward Murfreesboro. Continue on U.S. Highway 70 West for about 75 miles, then turn left onto Arkansas 301 South. Follow signs for Crater of Diamonds State Park. The park will be on your left.
- From Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas (Approx. 1 hour): Take U.S. Highway 70 East toward Murfreesboro. Continue on U.S. Highway 70 East for about 45 miles. Turn right onto Arkansas 301 South, and follow signs to the park.
- From Texarkana, Arkansas (Approx. 1 hour): Take U.S. Highway 71 North toward Murfreesboro.
- Closest Airports:
- Texarkana Regional Airport (1 hour away).
- Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (Little Rock, 1.5 hours away).
Essential Guide: What to Know Before Visiting Crater of Diamonds State Park for a Fun-Filled Weekend
Planning a trip to Crater of Diamonds State Park for a weekend of adventure? Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your visit:
- Diamond Hunting Fee: The fee for entering the park and searching for diamonds is typically around $15 for adults and $7 for children ages 6-12. Children under 6 get in for free. You may buy tickets online or at the park. Visit the official site or download the park brochure.
- Camping Fees: Campsites range from $25 to $30 per night depending on the location and amenities.
- Park Hours: The park is open daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. However, hours can vary by season, so it’s always a good idea to check the park’s website or call ahead for the most up-to-date information. Diamond Hunting Hours: The digging area is open from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Be sure to arrive early to maximize your time searching for diamonds!
- The park’s on-site Diamond Springs Water Park is open seasonally and offers a perfect way to cool off after digging. Its slides, lazy rivers, and splash pads are a fun-filled spot for families to unwind and make a splash.
- Pet Policy: Yes, Crater of Diamonds State Park permits pets, but visitors must keep them leashed. The park prohibits pets in the diamond search area and inside park buildings. However, there are plenty of areas around the park to walk and enjoy with your furry friend.
- Best Time to Visit: Peak Season: spring and fall when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities, such as hiking and diamond hunting. Fall also offers cooler temperatures, which can make your experience more enjoyable. Off-Peak Season: winter means fewer crowds and lower accommodation prices, though the weather can be cold. Summer: Hot but great for early-morning diamond hunts.
Why Crater of Diamonds Is the Perfect Arkansas Weekend Getaway
If you want a special weekend trip, Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas is the ideal place for a camping adventure. During our road trip through the South, we spent a weekend here camping in our travel trailer. We enjoyed all the amazing activities this park has, including searching for diamonds and hiking the beautiful trails. It was the ideal mix of outdoor fun and historical exploration.
Setting Up Camp in a Travel Trailer: Comfort Meets Nature
We reached Crater of Diamonds State Park early Friday afternoon. The campground has 47 AAA sites, all with full hookups for RVs. While we were there, we took advantage of the campground’s amenities, including clean restrooms and a laundry facility. There’s something special about having all the comforts of home, like a hot shower on a chilly December day. Once we parked and got everything hooked up, it was time to relax. Only a handful of campers were at the campground so late in the season. The place was lovely, filled with tall trees and a calm vibe—just right for unwinding after our long trip from Moro Bay State Park.
After setting up camp for our weekend at Crater of Diamonds State Park, we were ready to stretch our legs and explore. Our dog, Sage, especially needed a pleasant walk after being cooped up in the truck for a few hours. While diamond mining is the principal attraction here, this unique destination offers much more than just treasure hunting. As any Crater of Diamonds visitor guide will tell you, the park features several scenic hiking trails that cater to all skill levels. We couldn’t wait to hit the trails and enjoy the fresh air enjoying the park’s natural beauty.
Nature at Its Best: Exploring the Little Missouri River Trail
Taking our dog for a walk on the Little Missouri River Nature Trail was a beautiful experience. Starting at the campground, this is an easy trail. The 2-mile path gently winds through shady hardwood forests and then curves along the Little Missouri River. As we walked, I could hear the soft sound of the river, the singing of birds, and the occasional noise of squirrels moving through the bushes. Sage is disappointed because I I don’t let him chase the squirrels. Signs along the path provide information about the local rocks plants and history.
Benches have been installed in shady areas along the trail. This trail is great for a relaxing walk with your dog. You can bring your dog on a leash, and there are places by the riverbank where your dog can relax and cool down while you enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Half of the trail loop is paved. The back section of the loop goes along a winding creek in the woods, and you will cross a few wooden bridges. “A short walk that brings enormous benefits.”
Exploring the Park’s Prospector Hiking Trail
The Prospector Trail is a hidden treasure within Crater of Diamonds State Park. Just off the diamond field, the 1.2-mile loop moves through pleasant pine woods and rolling hills. It was a quiet hike with fewer hikers. It’s a great option for a warm-up or cool-down before or after digging. The shaded trail makes it especially pleasant on warm days. In the spring, look out for native flowers and wildlife along the way—it’s a pleasant respite from the excitement of diamond prospecting.
Wildlife Observation Blind Trail: This is 0. A 5-mile out & back gravel trail takes you to the park’s observation platform. I thought it was the perfect choice for a quiet morning walk. This is the best time to see white-tailed deer, armadillos and different birds as they are more active. Bring your binoculars to have the best chance of seeing wildlife in action!
Learn the Fascinating History of Diamond Mining at the Visitor Center
Before we began digging, we needed to take some time to walk through the visitor center at Crater of Diamonds State Park. Here, we learned about the interesting history of diamond mining in Arkansas. Mining in this park started in the early 1900s after miners discovered diamonds in the volcanic rock. The park sits on a volcanic crater known as the Kimberlite pipe, which is rich in minerals, including diamonds.
Hands-on exhibits and historical displays illustrate how John Huddleston’s 1906 discovery ignited a diamond rush, catapulting Murfreesboro to fame. The center shows the timeline and how the area changed from a private mine into a public treasure. It highlights well-known discoveries and the special rocks that make this the only diamond site in the world that the public can visit. It was an ideal beginning for our adventure and a wonderful way to understand the story behind the shine.
Diamond Hunting 101: Tips for Finding Gems in Arkansas
What’s fascinating is that this is the only place in the world where the public can search for diamonds and keep whatever they find. Many significant diamonds, including the famous 40.23-carat Uncle Sam Diamond. It is the largest ever found in the United States. Miners have found well over 35,000 diamonds here. The park’s 37-acre plowed field is your playground for diamond digging—and you get to keep whatever you find!
On a chilly December morning with a temperature of 30 degrees, we chose to partake in the diamond hunting tradition, looking for that hard-to-find sparkle. You can’t come all this way and not at least give mining a shot. The entry fee is $15 for the diamond field. At the visitor center, we rented a trowel, bucket, and screen. With the equipment for success in hand, we headed out to the plowed diamond field. Making matters worse, a light rain began, turning everything to mud.
As we dug through the dirt, the big chunks of clay made it hard to find any gems. We started wet sifting; at least Barry did. I kept my mittens on. After the first screen, the freezing cold water had numbed his hands. This was when we decided it was time to stop. We took our small collection to the Diamond Discovery Center, eager to find out if any of it was worth something. It’s disappointing that they were just shiny stones. The excitement of possibly finding a diamond was worth every minute! Next time, let’s pick a warmer day to sift through the sand.
What to Pack for Your Diamond Digging Weekend
Packing the right gear for your diamond digging weekend at Crater of Diamonds State Park is very important. Make sure to pack the basics: bring plenty of sunscreen, a hat with a wide brim, comfortable shoes that can handle mud and a reusable water bottle to keep yourself hydrated in the Arkansas heat. Warm-weather clothing was necessary in our circumstances.
If you’re a serious diamond hunter, you might want to bring your own trowel or digging tools. To dig, bring gardening gloves, a small shovel or trowel and a strainer or screen to help sort through the soil. Or if you don’t want to pack as much, rent equipment in the park instead. Don’t leave home without packing some convenient extras such as ziplock bags to store any gems and a magnifying glass to get up close and personal with your finds. A camera to photograph your exciting discovery experience when you hit something shiny. Being prepared can ensure your weekend at Crater of Diamonds is fun and rewarding.
Final Thoughts: A Memorable Weekend at Crater of Diamonds State Park
We had an amazing camping weekend at Crater of Diamonds State Park. We had cozy nights in our travel trailer, fun days hiking on beautiful trails, and exciting times searching for diamonds in the diamond search area. Each experience brought us something special. The combination of natural beauty and adventure in the park left an experience we will never forget, and there is entertainment here for every age—whether you pan for gems or just enjoy the nature. Now, we’re looking forward to winding down with a relaxing spa day at Hot Springs National Park.
If you ever happen to be in the area, don’t miss a chance to visit the Crater of Diamonds. You never know! You might just depart with a glittering gem of your own!
Ready to start planning? Share your diamond finds with us in the comments below.
