Crater of Diamonds State Park Campground: Dig for Gems and Camp in Arkansas!

Camping Introduce

Hello, Arkansas adventurers! Are you ready for a camping experience unlike any other, where every shovel full of dirt could potentially reveal a glittering treasure? Welcome to the campground at Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, Arkansas. This isn't just a place to set up camp; it’s your basecamp for a truly unique adventure – the world’s only diamond-producing site open to the public, where "finders keepers" is the golden rule!

Located at 209 State Park Road in Murfreesboro, this state park campground offers a fantastic blend of traditional outdoor recreation with the unparalleled excitement of a real-life treasure hunt. Imagine spending your days sifting through dirt in the park's 37.5-acre plowed field, hoping to unearth a genuine diamond, and then returning to a comfortable, well-maintained campsite for a relaxing evening. It’s an experience that captivates both seasoned campers and curious families alike, drawing visitors from across Arkansas and beyond.

What makes camping at Crater of Diamonds State Park so special for locals? It's the sheer novelty and thrill that comes with the possibility of finding something truly extraordinary, combined with the assurance of a high-quality state park experience. Reviewers consistently praise the campground for its "beautiful" setting, "clean bathrooms with toilet paper, and clean showers," and the overall spaciousness and thoughtful layout of the campsites. Whether you're pulling a large RV or pitching a tent, you’ll find a spot that offers comfort and convenience.

This campground provides an excellent opportunity to introduce children to the wonders of geology and the excitement of discovery, while also offering plenty of traditional camping activities like fishing in the Little Missouri River or exploring scenic hiking trails. It’s a versatile destination that promises both adventure and relaxation, making it a perfect getaway for Arkansas residents seeking something truly memorable right in their home state.

The campground at Crater of Diamonds State Park is conveniently located in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, at 209 State Park Road, Murfreesboro, AR 71958, USA. This address places it strategically within easy reach of many major cities in Arkansas, making it an accessible destination for a weekend trip or a longer vacation.

Getting to the park is generally straightforward. If you're coming from Little Rock, you can take I-30 West to Exit 73, then follow AR-26 West directly to the park. From Texarkana, take I-30 East to Exit 30 (Hope), and then follow AR-278 East to AR-26. The roads leading to the park are paved and generally well-maintained, accommodating various vehicle types, including large RVs. Signs are typically clear, guiding visitors directly to the campground and the famous diamond search area.

While the park offers a secluded natural environment, its proximity to the town of Murfreesboro means that essential services like groceries, fuel, and other supplies are just a short drive away. This balance of feeling immersed in nature while having convenient access to necessities adds to the overall appeal and accessibility for local Arkansans. The campground is situated near the Little Missouri River, offering additional recreational opportunities beyond the main diamond field. This excellent accessibility ensures that more Arkansans can experience the unique allure of digging for diamonds and enjoying a top-tier state park camping experience.

The campground at Crater of Diamonds State Park offers a comprehensive range of services designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all visitors:

Campsites with Hookups: The campground features 52 campsites, with 47 of them offering water and electric hookups (both 30-amp and 50-amp available). Many of these also include sewer hookups, making them ideal for RVs up to 70 feet in length. These sites provide a high level of convenience for modern campers.
Tent-Only Sites: For those who prefer a more traditional tent camping experience, there are 5 walk-to, tent-only sites available, providing a designated space for pitching tents.
Clean Restrooms and Showers: A significant highlight for visitors is the presence of two modern, well-maintained bathhouses with hot and cold running water, including clean flush toilets and private showers. Reviewers often commend the cleanliness and quality of these facilities.
Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is available throughout the campground.
Trailer Dump Station: A convenient dump station is provided for RV users, making waste disposal easy before departure.
Picnic Tables and Fire Rings/Grills: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill, perfect for outdoor cooking and enjoying campfires.
Visitor Center and Gift Shop: The park's main visitor center offers educational exhibits about diamonds and the park's geology, along with a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs, mining tools, and basic supplies like snacks, drinks, ice, and firewood.
Diamond Discovery Center: This center provides interpretive information and demonstrations on prospecting for diamonds, enhancing the diamond digging experience.
Public Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi access is available for guests, allowing them to stay connected even while enjoying the outdoors.
Playground: A playground is on-site, offering a fun area for children to play and burn off energy.
Ranger-Led Programs: The park frequently offers interpretive programs, including diamond hunting demonstrations and history walks, providing educational and engaging activities for all ages.

Crater of Diamonds State Park Campground offers a host of unique features and highlights that make it a truly special destination in Arkansas:

The Diamond Search Area: This is the star attraction! The 37.5-acre plowed field is the only diamond-bearing site in the world open to the public, where visitors can search for and keep any diamonds or other gemstones they find. Over 75,000 diamonds have been found here since 1972, including the famous Strawn-Wagner Diamond.
Finders Keepers Policy: Unlike commercial mines, anything you discover in the search area – whether it's a diamond, amethyst, jasper, or other minerals – is yours to keep, regardless of its value. This policy adds immense excitement to the prospecting experience.
Spacious and Shaded Campsites: The campground is noted for its roomy and often shaded sites, providing comfortable spaces for both RVs and tents. There's plenty of room between sites, offering a good degree of privacy.
Paved & Level Pads: Many RV sites feature level, paved pads, making setup easy and comfortable for larger rigs.
Clean and Modern Bathhouses: The two bathhouses are consistently praised for being exceptionally clean, offering hot showers and flush toilets – a significant comfort for campers.
Proximity to Little Missouri River: The campground is located near the Little Missouri River, which offers opportunities for fishing (including trout stocking from November to March) and other water activities. There's a public boat ramp across from the park entrance.
Hiking Trails: The park features easy hiking trails, including the Little Missouri River Trail (a paved, wheelchair-accessible trail) and Prospectors Trail, providing scenic walks through wooded areas.
Diamond Springs Water Park: Open during summer months, this water park (with a mining theme) provides a refreshing way to cool off, featuring a wading pool, waterslides, and other water features.
Wildlife Observation Blind: A dedicated blind allows visitors to observe deer, turkey, squirrels, and various birds in their natural habitat, making it great for nature photography.
Pet-Friendly: The campground welcomes leashed pets, allowing furry family members to join in on the adventure (with some restrictions in certain park buildings).

For reservations, park information, or any other inquiries about Crater of Diamonds State Park Campground, please use the following contact details:

Address: 209 State Park Road, Murfreesboro, AR 71958, USA

Phone: (870) 285-3113

Email: craterofdiamonds@arkansas.com

It is highly recommended to make reservations, especially during peak season, as this popular park's campground can fill up quickly.

For Arkansas locals, the campground at Crater of Diamonds State Park offers an unparalleled opportunity for a truly memorable and unique outdoor adventure, right in their own backyard. It’s more than just a place to camp; it's a chance to engage in the thrilling pursuit of finding genuine diamonds, an experience that simply can't be replicated anywhere else in the world open to the public. This singular feature alone makes it a bucket-list destination for families, geology enthusiasts, and curious individuals across the state.

Beyond the allure of diamond hunting, the campground itself provides a high-quality state park experience. With its spacious, well-maintained sites (many with full hookups), consistently clean bathhouses, and family-friendly amenities like a playground and even a seasonal water park, it caters to a wide range of camping preferences. The opportunity to explore beautiful trails, fish in the Little Missouri River, and engage with informative ranger-led programs further enhances the appeal, ensuring there’s always something to do for every member of the family.

The accessibility of Murfreesboro from various parts of Arkansas also means that a fantastic, enriching, and potentially rewarding getaway is always within reach. For Arkansans, Crater of Diamonds State Park Campground isn't just a convenient local option; it's an iconic landmark that offers a blend of natural beauty, recreational activities, and the exciting prospect of unearthing a sparkling piece of Arkansas history to call your own. It's a place to create truly unforgettable memories and discover a deeper connection with the unique geological wonders of our state.