Crater of Diamonds State Park
RV Guide

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.