Crater of Diamonds State Park RV & Campground Guide
Arkansas
- Home
- State Parks
- Arkansas
- Crater of Diamonds State Park
State officials opened Crater of Diamonds State Park in 1972. Over 600 diamonds are found at this state park annually, and a gemologist is on-site to help you identify them. There are many other things to do at this park near Murfreesboro, Arkansas, including following hiking trails, playing at the water park, cooking at the picnic facilities, and camping in the campground. Nearby, you can find other exciting attractions to explore, including Dino Dig, Ka-Do-Ha Indian Village, and Glen Campbell Scenic Drive.
Nearby cities:
Hope, Arkansas
Malvern, Arkansas
Hot Springs, Arkansas
Texarkana, Texas
Spring 46-73 F
Summer 72-94 F
Fall 38-63 F
Winter 28-52 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Crater of Diamonds State Park
Campground Accommodations
Crater of Diamonds State Park Campground
Water hookup: 47 sites
Electrical hookup: 47 sites
Sewer hookup: 47 sites
Wi-Fi: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 70 feet
Other amenities: two bathhouses, dump station
Murfreesboro RV Park
Located just a mile north of Crater of Diamonds State Park, this awesome campground is the perfect place to stay when visiting the area. The staff are beyond friendly and helpful, and the amenities and rates cannot be beat. That said, there are only 10 RV sites available, so make sure to book early! Rates start at $30 per night.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Free ice; free book and DVD library; children’s play area; full-service bathhouses and laundry
Castle Keepers RV Resort
1 mile north of Murfreesboro and just 4 miles from Crater of Diamonds, Castle Keepers RV Resort is yet another excellent choice when it comes to places to stay. This campground offers a variety of options when it comes to campsites, and the many recreation opportunities within the campground make it a destination in and of itself. Rates start at just $20 per night.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Fishing; shuffleboard; disc golf; nature trail; restrooms and outdoor shower
Miner’s Camping
The closest options yet, Miner’s Camping is located right next door to Crater of Diamonds. This campground is extremely friendly, with staff who are always willing to help out. The people here love diamond mining and are happy to share their knowledge with visitors. Rates start at $25 for 30-amp electric.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: N/A
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Catch-and-release pond; playground; firewood for sale
What to Do at
Crater of Diamonds State Park
People come to Crater of Diamonds State Park mainly to find diamonds in the 37-acre mining field, and visitors can keep what they find. Rental equipment is available to help you discover amethysts, garnets, jaspers, agates, and quartz. The Diamond Springs Water Park is popular with water lovers in the summer. The campground also has lots of space to relax under tall shade trees and beautiful hiking trails to explore.
Inside Crater of Diamonds State Park
Obviously, the number one reason to visit Crater of Diamonds State Park is for the diamond mining. After all, who wouldn’t want to find their very own precious gem to take home? That said, this is far from the only thing to do in the park, and we highly recommend checking out the other activities offered by the park during your visit.
Some cool experiences and activities at the park include:
Walking/Hiking — The park boasts a variety of lovely, easy-to-walk trails. Take advantage of this and go on a hike to check out some of the beautiful Arkansas wildlife that likes to hang out in the park.
Water Play — One of the more unique features of Crater of Diamonds is the amazing water park located onsite. This amazing water play area is tons of fun and the perfect way to cool off on a hot, Arkansas summer day. There are admission fees to use the water park, so be aware of this and plan to spend the whole day.
Fishing — Everybody loves a relaxing day spent fishing. Use one of your days in this fabulous park doing just that.
Interpretive Programs — Want to learn more about the park? The ranger-led programs offered here are a great opportunity to learn something new and interesting, all while having a great time.
Fishing
The Little Missouri River at Crater of Diamonds State Park is an excellent place for a shore fishing adventure. The state regularly stocks this river with trout. Usually, anglers have the best success in the late summer.
Geocaching
Park rangers occasionally lead geocache hikes at this park. They start at the Little Missouri River Trailhead in the campground. Participants walk about one mile on a paved trail during this activity.
Nature Watching
The Wildlife Observation Blind is a fantastic place to see deer, turkey, squirrels, birds, and other wildlife. It is easy to reach the blind. Once you enter the park, pull over and park immediately. You will see a gravel walkway that leads to the area. Be sure to bring your camera to photograph animals in their natural setting.
Stargazing
The remote setting of Crater of Diamond State Park makes it a great place to go stargazing. Consider visiting the mining field at night because there are no tall trees to get in your way of seeing the night sky.
Flora and Fauna
Visitors will see various old-growth trees near the campground. Many of them are boxelder maples. These trees are gorgeous in the fall when the leaves turn yellow. You may see trees up to 60 feet tall with a spread of about 30 feet.
Hiking
The longest wheelchair-accessible trail in Southwest Arkansas is near the campground. The paved portion of this trail allows visitors to see the Little Missouri River. The remainder of the loop trail is well-maintained, allowing hikers to go through beautiful, forested areas.
Boating
There is a boat launch onto the Little Missouri River across from the park's entrance. Many people use this launch to start a fishing expedition on the river.
Swimming
Diamond Springs Water Park has a mining theme. Little ones will love the 4,166-square-foot wading pool. Bigger kids and adults will enjoy playing on the two waterslides. There is also a hidden waterfall and other water features to enjoy.
How to Get to
Crater of Diamonds State Park
It is easy to get to Crater of Diamonds State Park from Murfreesboro, Arkansas, by heading east on Conway Street. Turn left on Arkansas 20 West. Then, turn veer left to get on Main Street and veer left again to get on Arkansas 301. Continue for about two miles and turn right on State Park Road. You will see the park on your right in about one mile.
Entering Crater of Diamonds State Park
Everyone aged 13 and over will need to pay $10 to enter this park. People age 12 and under are free. Many activities at this park come with an additional fee. For example, renting mining equipment will cost you between $5 and $20 per piece, but you can bring your own equipment. The water park is $10 for people over 42 inches tall and $6 for everyone else over the age of two. Adults who are not going to swim pay $2. Camping at Crater of Diamonds State Park is $40 per night.
If you love exploring outdoors, you will love visiting Crater of Diamonds State Park, where you can hike, play in the water, enjoy a picnic, and dig for diamonds and other minerals and gemstones. The largest diamond ever found in the United States came from this mining field.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crater of Diamonds State Park
Spring is a terrific time to visit Crater of Diamonds State Park. People find the most diamonds and gemstones after a significant rain. Additionally, trout are often more likely to bite in the spring.
Visitors often see deer and wild turkeys at Crater of Diamonds State Park, especially in the forests. Birders can add various birds to their journals, including blue jays, sparrows, doves, and chickadees.
There are 47 RV camping spots at Crater of Diamonds State Park. Each site comes with water, electric, and sewer hookups. Picnic tables and grills are available nearby.
You do not always need reservations to camp at Crater of Diamonds State Park, but this park can fill up fast, so they are highly recommended. Camping costs $40 per night.
Pets are allowed on a leash at Crater of Diamonds State Park. They are not permitted at the water park or in the gift shop, and you are expected to clean up after your furry family members.
Related
Lebanon, Maine RV Rentals Millbury, Ohio RV Rental Deals Rosebud, Missouri RV Rental Deals McCarr, Kentucky RV Rental Deals Nellis AFB, Nevada RV Rental Deals Bourbon, Missouri RV Rental Deals Quechee, Vermont RV Rentals Lake Lucerne, Florida RV Rentals Hopedale, Illinois RV Rentals Abbotsford, Wisconsin RV Rental Deals