Crater of Diamonds State Park Campground

For Arkansans seeking a truly unique and unforgettable outdoor adventure, the Crater of Diamonds State Park Campground in Murfreesboro offers an experience unlike any other in the world. This isn't just a place to set up your tent or park your RV; it's a gateway to the only public diamond mine on the planet where "finders, keepers" is the rule of the land. Imagine spending your days sifting through soil, hoping to unearth a real diamond, and then returning to a comfortable, well-maintained campsite just steps away.

Crater of Diamonds State Park is a jewel in Arkansas's crown, drawing visitors from across the globe, but for locals, it's a convenient and exciting destination right in their backyard. The park encompasses a 37-acre plowed field, the eroded surface of an ancient, diamond-bearing volcanic crater. Beyond the thrill of diamond searching, the park also boasts beautiful natural surroundings, with the Little Missouri River nearby, and a range of amenities that make for a supremely comfortable stay. It’s a place where childhood dreams of treasure hunting can become a reality, combined with all the joys of a classic Arkansas camping trip.

Crater of Diamonds State Park Campground is located at Murfreesboro, AR 71958, USA, specifically at 209 State Park Road. This prime location places it right within the state park itself, offering unparalleled access to the famous diamond search area. Murfreesboro is a small, charming town in Pike County, southwestern Arkansas, making the campground easily accessible from various parts of the state. It’s approximately an hour and a half drive from Hot Springs, about an hour from Texarkana, and around two and a half hours from Little Rock.

The campground's direct placement within the park means that the main attractions, including the Diamond Discovery Center, Visitor Center, Gift Shop, and the diamond search area, are all within easy walking distance or a very short drive. As one visitor noted, "You can walk to the crater if you like, less than a mile." The paved trails within the park also offer excellent accessibility for exploring the area, including a pleasant walk down to the Little Missouri River. For those traveling by RV, the roads leading to and within the park are well-maintained, accommodating vehicles up to 60 feet in length, and ensuring easy navigation to the campsites. The clear signage along State Highway 301 and the park entrance makes finding the campground straightforward upon arrival in Murfreesboro.

The Crater of Diamonds State Park Campground is highly regarded for its excellent facilities and services, designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all campers, whether in tents or RVs.

• Full Hookup RV Sites: The campground offers 47 Class AAA campsites, each equipped with 30-amp and 50-amp electricity, water, and sewer hookups, accommodating RVs up to 60 feet.
• Tent Camping Sites: In addition to RV sites, there are 5 walk-in tent-only sites available, perfect for a more traditional camping experience.
• Modern Bathhouses: The park features two modern bathhouses with individual shower rooms (not large communal rooms), flush toilets, and hot water, which are consistently praised for their cleanliness. As a reviewer stated, "Bathrooms have a shower in each one." and "The bathrooms were easily located, clean, with hot water!"
• Laundry Facilities: One of the bathhouses includes an area for laundry, providing convenience for longer stays.
• Dump Station: An onsite dump station is available for RVs.
• Free Wi-Fi: While sometimes spotty depending on the site, complimentary Wi-Fi is a valuable feature within the campground, allowing guests to stay connected.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a metal fire ring for outdoor cooking and gathering. Tent sites also include lantern posts.
• On-site Ranger Assistance: Park rangers are readily available to assist campers, as demonstrated by a customer review: "We locked our key in the truck, and the park ranger rescued us within the hour."
• Pet-Friendly: The campground welcomes furry friends, though pets must remain on a leash.
• Visitor Information and Interpretive Programs: The Visitor Center offers interactive exhibits about diamonds and minerals, and park rangers conduct interpretive programs to enhance the educational aspect of your visit.

Beyond the essential services, Crater of Diamonds State Park Campground offers numerous features and highlights that create a truly memorable camping and adventure experience.

• World-Famous Diamond Search Area: The ultimate highlight is the 37-acre diamond search field, where visitors can dig for and keep any diamonds, gems, or minerals they find. Over 35,000 diamonds have been found by park visitors since 1972.
• Diamond Springs Water Park: During the summer months, the on-site Diamond Springs Water Park provides a fantastic way to cool off. It features a wading pool, two waterslides, a hidden waterfall, and other water features. As one review enthusiastically noted, "On-site water park was really nice!"
• Paved and Accessible Walking Trails: Well-maintained walking trails are easily accessible from the campground, including a paved trail leading to the Little Missouri River with benches and even workout stations. "The walking trails were easily accessible with a pleasant end at the Little Missouri River with a bench, they were also paved."
• Clean and Spacious Campsites: Guests frequently commend the cleanliness and ample space of the campsites. "Cleanest park I've ever camped at." and "The camp sites were clean. The neighbors were respectful and decent."
• Family-Friendly Environment: The park and campground are designed with families in mind, offering a safe and engaging environment for all ages. "Family friendly!"
• Proximity to Murfreesboro Town Square: The nearby town of Murfreesboro is described as "cute" with "fun shopping," offering a pleasant diversion from park activities. It includes antique shops, local eateries, and unique stores.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: The Little Missouri River, accessible from the park, is a great spot for bank fishing, with common catches including largemouth bass, trout, bream, and catfish (a valid Arkansas fishing license is required).
• Wildlife Observation: A dedicated Wildlife Observation Blind allows visitors to view deer, turkey, squirrels, and various bird species in their natural habitat.
• Educational Opportunities: The Visitor Center and ranger-led programs provide valuable insights into geology, diamond formation, and the park's history.
• Stargazing: The relatively remote location ensures dark skies, perfect for stargazing without significant light pollution.

Connecting with Crater of Diamonds State Park Campground for reservations or inquiries is straightforward, ensuring you can plan your visit effectively.

Address: Murfreesboro, AR 71958, USA (specifically 209 State Park Road, Murfreesboro, AR 71958)

Phone: (870) 285-3113

Mobile Phone: +1 870-285-3113

For booking campsites and checking availability, it is highly recommended to use the official Arkansas State Parks reservation system online or call the park directly. Reservations, especially during peak seasons, are strongly advised due to the park's popularity. The park's website also provides detailed information on diamond searching tips, current conditions, and a schedule of interpretive programs.

For Arkansans, Crater of Diamonds State Park Campground offers an unparalleled blend of adventure, education, and relaxation, making it an incredibly suitable and appealing destination right in their home state.

Firstly, the sheer uniqueness of being able to dig for and keep real diamonds is a draw that no other place in the United States can match. This isn't just a novelty; it's a genuine treasure hunt that excites all ages, fostering a sense of wonder and discovery that few other activities can provide. For local families, it’s a readily accessible "bucket list" experience that creates indelible memories without requiring extensive travel. The relatively reasonable ticket prices and gift shop offerings, as noted by a reviewer, also make this unique experience more accessible.

Secondly, the campground itself consistently receives high praise for its cleanliness, modern amenities, and welcoming atmosphere. For Arkansans, this means a comfortable and reliable camping experience, whether they are seasoned RVers or first-time tent campers. The individual shower rooms, hot water, and well-maintained sites provide a level of comfort that makes camping enjoyable, even after a dusty day of digging. The helpfulness of the park rangers, as experienced by a local in a bind, further highlights the supportive and friendly environment, reflecting true Southern hospitality.

Moreover, the park's additional features, such as the Diamond Springs Water Park (a fantastic amenity for cooling off during Arkansas's warm summers) and the accessible walking trails down to the Little Missouri River, provide diverse recreational opportunities beyond diamond searching. These features, combined with the charm of nearby Murfreesboro, offer a comprehensive vacation experience. Locals can enjoy a multifaceted trip that combines outdoor activity, unique cultural experiences, and relaxation, all within a familiar and welcoming regional setting. It's a testament to Arkansas's "Natural State" moniker, offering a gem of an adventure that every Arkansan should experience.

Crater of Diamonds State Park Campground

Murfreesboro, AR 71958, USA