Crater of Diamonds State Park offers exceptional RV camping with 47 Class AAA full-hookup sites accommodating rigs up to 60 feet, featuring the world's only diamond-bearing site open to the public for treasure hunting. This unique 911-acre Arkansas gem provides year-round camping, seasonal Diamond Springs Water Park, and the thrill of keeping any diamonds you find—over 35,000 discovered since 1972. With strategic locations like Little Rock RV rentals just two hours away, this Murfreesboro destination combines the excitement of diamond digging with family-friendly amenities and authentic Arkansas adventure.
Crater of Diamonds State Park stands as the only place in the world where the public can search for real diamonds in their original volcanic source, creating an unmatched RV adventure in the heart of Arkansas. This extraordinary 911-acre park welcomes treasure hunters to explore a 37-acre diamond field, where visitors have discovered over 35,000 diamonds since the park opened in 1972, including the legendary 40.23-carat "Uncle Sam"—the largest diamond ever found in the United States.
Your RV vacation here combines the thrill of diamond hunting with family-friendly recreation. Diamond Springs Water Park operates seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day, providing the perfect cool-down after hot summer days spent digging in the diamond field. The park's motto of "finders keepers" means every gemstone, rock, or mineral you discover becomes yours to take home—creating truly memorable souvenirs from your Arkansas adventure.
Beyond diamonds, the park offers excellent hiking trails, fishing opportunities in nearby streams, and interpretive programs that reveal the fascinating geology behind this volcanic crater formation. The Kimberlite Cafe serves seasonal dining, while the Diamond Discovery Center provides equipment rentals and expert guidance for first-time diamond hunters.
The park stays open year-round from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed only on New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day), making it an ideal destination for RV travelers seeking unique adventures in any season. Spring brings wildflowers and ideal digging conditions, while fall offers comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds for a more peaceful treasure-hunting experience.
Crater of Diamonds State Park is situated in a remote area surrounded by rural landscapes. From Little Rock (Arkansas State Capitol), take I-30 west to exit 73, then follow AR-26 west to the park. The park's roads are paved and big rig-friendly, with clear signage guiding you to the campground and diamond field.
If traveling from the south, take I-30 east from Texarkana to Hope (exit 30), then follow AR-278 east to AR-26. The final approach via AR-301 offers scenic rural views but requires attention to the 25 mph speed limits through small communities.
Little Rock Access: Little Rock RV rentals position you perfectly for a two-hour scenic drive through Arkansas's countryside to the Crater of Diamonds. As the state capital, Little Rock offers excellent pre-trip supply shopping and serves as a convenient flight-in location for out-of-state visitors wanting to combine urban attractions with diamond hunting adventures.
Hot Springs Gateway: Hot Springs provides an excellent base for exploring multiple Arkansas state parks, sitting approximately 90 minutes northeast of the Crater of Diamonds. This location allows you to combine your diamond hunting expedition with therapeutic hot springs experiences and Ouachita National Forest exploration.
The park provides ample RV parking near the diamond field and visitor center, with additional spaces at the Diamond Springs Water Park during the summer months. Plan fuel stops and dining breaks in advance, as you'll pass through rural areas with limited services. The nearby town of Murfreesboro offers basic supplies and dining options just minutes from the park entrance.
The Crater of Diamonds State Park includes a tree-shaded campground featuring 47 Class AAA campsites (with water/electric/sewer hookups) [most of these sites have tent pads] and five Walk-in Tent Sites. This well-maintained campground accommodates RVs up to 60 feet in length, with both back-in and pull-through options available.
Each site includes a paved RV pad, picnic table, fire ring, and lantern post. The tree-shaded setting provides natural cooling during Arkansas's hot summers, while paved roads ensure easy access regardless of weather conditions. Sites are nice and level, with many having a tent space as well as an RV space, making them perfect for families combining RV comfort with tent camping flexibility.
The campground includes two modern bathhouses with hot showers, with one facility featuring laundry amenities for extended stays. Public Wi-Fi access keeps you connected, while the on-site dump station provides convenient waste management for your RV.
During the peak season, reservations are a must at the Crater of Diamonds Campground. The park's popularity with both Arkansas residents and out-of-state visitors means advance booking is essential, especially during spring and summer months when both weather and water park operations are optimal.
Reservations open up to five months in advance through the Arkansas State Parks reservation system. Off-season visits (November through March) often allow for more spontaneous bookings, though the campground remains open year-round for cold-weather adventurers.
While the trail loops may not be very long here, with an average of only one mile (one way), they make for a nice, leisurely bike ride. The off seasons are easiest to get around on two wheels, as less foot traffic will be on the paved Little Missouri River Trail and the graveled Prospectors Trail. These trails are also perfect for kids to get around and burn off some energy before turning in to the campervan for the night.
When the grounds aren't as busy and bustling, visitors have even more opportunity to see the area's true locals. A parking lot rests just inside the park's entrance for day-use visitation and is large enough to park the rig. The lot is adjacent to the park's blind walkway. The gravel walkway is set among a secluded woodland, and it leads its guests through to a wildlife observation blind. It's the perfect vantage point to get a good shot of some of Arkansas' wildlife in their natural setting. Amateur and professional photographers alike are welcome to use the observation blind to get up close and personal to their wild subjects.
All year long, both the park's Visitor Center and Gift Shop remain open alongside the campgrounds. While peak seasons may come along with summer months, the park never really slows. The Visitor Center has fantastic interactive exhibits and enables guests to learn about the diamonds, as well as other minerals within the park's diamond site. Next, the Gift Shop is another stop visitors will want to dig into while at Crater of Diamonds. A wide selection of items can be found here, as well as some drinks, light snacks, bagged ice, and firewood bundles.
Pack the tackle box and the fishing poles along in the motorhome, because diamonds aren't the only thing you can hunt at this state park. The lure of the Little Missouri River may just snag you a few bites. Bank fishing is a popular sport here for locals and visitors alike, so long as a fishing license is acquired. Late summer, when the crowds are dwindling out, you may get in some of your best fishing yet. Largemouth bass, trout, bream, and catfish are common catches in these waters. Directions for getting to the river in the most efficient way possible will be found at the Visitor Center, and there is a public boat ramp that sits right across from the park if you prefer fishing from your boat.
For those seeking a more primitive camping experience, five walk-in tent sites offer secluded spots for traditional tent camping. These sites feature picnic tables and fire rings but require a short walk from parking areas, providing a quieter atmosphere away from RV traffic.
Nearby State Parks: Daisy State Park sits just 30 minutes north, offering additional camping options with Lake Greeson access. DeGray Lake State Park provides resort-style amenities about an hour northeast for those preferring more luxurious accommodations.
Little Rock Area Campgrounds: For RV travelers seeking urban amenities, Burns Park Campground on the northern banks of the Arkansas River offers full hookups and easy Little Rock access. Little Rock North KOA provides family-friendly amenities, including swimming pools and organized activities.
Arkansas River Access: Maumelle Campground features 128 spacious sites with electric hookups along the beautiful Arkansas River, perfect for combining diamond hunting with water activities. Toad Suck Campground offers excellent fishing access and family-friendly amenities.
Explore more RV parks and campgrounds across Arkansas for extended adventures throughout the Natural State.
During your stay, be sure to get out of the pop-up and stretch your legs walking along two of the park's beloved trails. Both trails are easy and just a tad over one mile in length; that means you'll want to anticipate setting aside about an hour for either trail. The Little Missouri River Trail winds through the wooded landscape, with an entrance right from the park's campground. The level terrain is mostly paved and is the longest wheelchair accessible trail available in southwest Arkansas. The second trail, Prospectors Trail, is another easily traveled trek that provides an intimate view of the park's unique and stunning geological features. An entry fee is required for this one, as it leads to the diamond search area.
The park's professional interpreters present guests with a variety of programs throughout the year. Programs running between Memorial Day and through Labor Day tend to be the most highly attended, and include activities such as diamond mining demonstrations, history walks, rock hound hikes, and, at times, evening programs. Even the kids can get involved with a summer program series for guests ages 6-12.
Before you get dirty in the diamond crater, stop by the park's Diamond Discovery Center. This interpretive center allows guests to engage with the diamonds and bridge education with the discovery of diamonds. There are many exhibits to tour, and visitors can meet with the park's interpretive staff. While you're here, view the Hall of Fame, watch an on-demand instructional diamond mining video, or view a searching demonstration. Here, you can also rent your digging equipment.
Did you enjoy reading this guide? For more Arkansas outdoor adventures, check out our Lake Ouachita State Park guide and explore Daisy State Park camping options for extended Natural State exploration.
Guests come from far and wide to dig up diamonds in a 37.5-acre plowed field. Here, you have the opportunity to dig your way through the eroded surface of an ancient volcanic crater. It is the eighth largest (in surface area) diamond-bearing deposit in the world. Visitors may unearth many other rocks and minerals, and any rock or mineral that you find is yours to keep. Avid rock hounds may already have their own digging equipment, but, if you didn't tote your gear along with you in the Airstream, tools can be rented at the Discovery Center. See if you have what it takes to add to the 33,000 diamonds visitors have already found here since the park was established in 1972.
You don't have to worry about bringing all sorts of food along in the camper, as this state park spoils its guests with an on-site restaurant. The Kimberlite Cafe is open from Memorial Day through until Labor Day weekend, all seven days of the week. During the last three weeks of peak season, the cafe is open, but only on weekends. The cafe offers a casual, home-style menu that includes all sorts of sandwiches, burgers, and desserts.
Another unique feature of the state park, the Diamond Springs Water Park, is a place the whole family can enjoy. Even if you're without the kids, feel free to cool off after searching for diamonds on a hot summer day. This mining-themed water park is open from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day. It features all sorts of fun sprayers, geysers, water jets, and animated waterspouts, as well as two water slides. The setting is complete with a spacious deck and pool furniture.
