◆
Search for diamonds
Work the 37-acre plowed field for diamonds and other minerals. Park staff recommend three search techniques and can identify finds.
See search tips →Quick facts
Search Area
37-acre plowed field
Park Size
911 acres
Diamond Admission
$15 adults · $7 ages 6–12
Camping
47 Class AAA + walk-in tents
Park overview
A state park where visitors can keep what they find
Crater of Diamonds State Park is in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, about two miles southeast of town on Arkansas Highway 301. Its signature attraction is a 37-acre plowed field representing the eroded surface of a volcanic crater. Unlike a conventional mine, this is a public search area where visitors can look for naturally occurring diamonds, gemstones, rocks and minerals.
The park is distinctive because the diamonds occur at their original volcanic source. Visitors can bring permitted hand tools or rent equipment at the Diamond Discovery Center, then search, dig, screen and sort material. Any rock or mineral found in the search area is yours to keep, and park staff provide complimentary identification of rocks and minerals and diamond registration.
The park extends beyond the search field. Its 911 pine-covered acres reach the Little Missouri River and include walking trails, picnic areas, a wildlife observation area, a visitor center, the Diamond Discovery Center, camping and the seasonal Diamond Springs Water Park.
What makes the Crater special:
More than 37,377 diamonds had been found by park visitors since the site became an Arkansas
state park in
1972, according to
Arkansas's official park information, with the total reported as of January 13, 2026.
At a glance
The four planning details that matter most
01
Search admission
Current listed admission is $15 for visitors over 12, $7 for ages 6–12, and free for children under 6.
02
Best use of time
Plan enough time to learn the search methods, work the field and visit the Diamond Discovery Center. A half or full day works well for most day trips.
03
Facilities
Visitor facilities, a gift shop, discovery center, restrooms, trails, picnic areas and camping are available, with some services seasonal.
04
Reservations
Campsites can be reserved through the Arkansas State Parks reservation system. Check current availability before traveling.
Experiences
Top things to do at Crater of Diamonds State Park
The park's activities center on geology, diamond hunting, outdoor exploration and seasonal family recreation.
◇
Learn the geology
The visitor center features real uncut diamonds and exhibits about the site's geology and history. The Diamond Discovery Center adds rock and mineral interpretation.
↟
Walk the park trails
The Little Missouri River Trail provides a level walk through the woods, while the Prospector Trail focuses on the park's geological features.
Explore trails →◌
Visit the Little Missouri River
The River Trail winds through the woods toward the scenic Little Missouri River and includes interpretive exhibits along part of its route.
☀
Cool off at Diamond Springs
The seasonal Diamond Springs Water Park offers a family-oriented water experience with certified lifeguards. Check the current schedule before going.
Water park details →●
Join interpretive programs
Park programming includes diamond-mining demonstrations, hikes and other geology- and park-focused activities. Program schedules change.
Programs & events →The signature experience
How diamond hunting works
The search area is a plowed field over the eroded surface of the volcanic crater. Visitors can search by looking over the surface, digging material and processing it through screens and other hand tools.
1. Start at the visitor center
Pay for diamond-search admission and use the park's visitor resources to learn about the site before entering the field.
2. Get your equipment
Bring permitted hand tools or rent equipment from the Diamond Discovery Center. Rental tools must be returned daily.
3. Search the field
Use surface searching, digging and processing techniques. The park prohibits ladders and battery-operated or motor-driven mining equipment.
4. Have your finds identified
Park staff provide complimentary identification of rocks and minerals. Diamonds found by visitors can be registered at the Diamond Discovery Center.
Diamond-hunting tip
Official park guidance notes that diamonds found at the Crater are typically small, with an average find around the size of a match head. Clean, well-rounded crystals that shed dirt or mud readily are worth examining.
Colors found at the Crater
White
Brown
Yellow
The park also reports naturally occurring amethyst, garnet, jasper, agate, quartz, calcite, barite and other minerals.
Costs
Crater of Diamonds fees & equipment rentals
The official Arkansas tourism/state-park listing currently gives the following diamond-search admission and equipment prices. Fees can change, so verify pricing before departure.
| Admission | Current listed price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adult / over age 12 | $15 | Diamond search area admission |
| Children ages 6–12 | $7 | Diamond search area admission |
| Children under 6 | Free | Ages are determined at the age of the visit |
Selected equipment rentals
| Equipment | Rental | Refundable deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Box screen | $5 | $20 |
| GI folding shovel | $5 | $20 |
| 3.5-gallon bucket | $5 | $10 |
| Kneeling pad | $5 | $5 |
| Long shovel | $6 | $10 |
| Screen set | $8 | $20 |
| Saruca | $8 | $40 |
| Wagon | $12 | $40 |
| Basic diamond-searching kit | $15 | $45 |
| Advanced diamond-searching kit | $20 | $70 |
| Enclosed storage pen | $8 daily / $75 for 30 days | — |
Planning note: Rental equipment and deposits are separate from diamond-search
admission.
The park states that rented tools must be returned daily, while properly stored visitor equipment
may remain
under specific park rules.
Hours & access
Hours and seasonal access
Park facilities
8–5
Visitor Center, Gift Shop and Diamond Discovery Center are open daily 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Search area
8–4
Diamond Search Area is open daily 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Campground
All year
The campground and picnic area are listed as open year-round.
Water park
Seasonal
Memorial Day–Labor Day, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.; closed Mondays and Tuesdays, with late-summer weekend changes possible.
Holiday closures: The park's current listing says the visitor facilities and
diamond-search
area are closed
on New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Seasonal schedules can change,
so
confirm current hours before traveling.
Walking & hiking
Trails at Crater of Diamonds State Park
Crater of Diamonds is not primarily a long-distance hiking destination. Its trails are useful complements to the diamond-search experience, especially for visitors who want to explore the woods, Little Missouri River and park geology.
| Trail | Distance | Terrain / character | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Little Missouri River Trail | 1.2 miles | Level terrain | Woods, Little Missouri River, interpretive exhibits and fitness stations |
| Prospector Trail | 1.2 miles | Geology-focused walking route | First-hand look at the park's geological features; mine-field admission required |
| Wildlife Observation Blind Trail | Distance not stated in the verified park material used here | Wildlife-observation route | Access to the park's wildlife observation area |
Accessibility note: The official park brochure describes half of the Little
Missouri River
Trail as paved and barrier-free,
with exhibits. Outdoor conditions can change, so visitors with mobility needs should confirm current
conditions with the park.
Signature feature
The 37-acre diamond-search field
The Crater's central attraction is not a display mine or underground tour. It is the exposed, plowed surface of a volcanic crater where visitors conduct their own searches. That unusual geology is what makes the park fundamentally different from a typical Arkansas hiking or camping destination.
The search field is the place to spend the most time if your primary goal is finding a diamond. The surrounding visitor center and Diamond Discovery Center provide context, demonstrations and identification assistance before or after your search.
Famous finds
40.23
carats · Uncle Sam
8.52
carats · Esperanza
16.37
carats · Amarillo Starlight
15.33
carats · Star of Arkansas
The Uncle Sam is recognized by the park as the largest diamond ever unearthed in the United States.
Overnight stays
Camping at Crater of Diamonds
Class AAA campsites
The park lists 47 Class AAA campsites with 50-, 30- and 20-amp electrical service plus water and sewer. Campsites can be reserved through the Arkansas State Parks reservation system.
Check campground availabilityWalk-in tent sites
The park also offers walk-in tent sites. Current availability and applicable pricing should be checked through the official reservation system before arrival.
View reservations
Camping planning: Campers must register at the visitor center before occupying a
campsite.
Arkansas State Parks reservation policies can change; review the current reservation terms when
booking.
Seasonal recreation
Diamond Springs Water Park
Diamond Springs Water Park is the park's seasonal family water attraction. The official listing describes certified lifeguards and a Memorial Day-to-Labor Day operating season. The normal listed hours are 11 a.m.–4 p.m., with Mondays and Tuesdays closed.
The park notes that staffing and the return of students to school can mean weekend-only operation beginning in mid-August. Check with the park for the specific days and hours before planning a water-park visit.
Current listed water-park prices
- Under 42 inches: $10
- 42 inches and taller: $12
- Adult chaperone, non-water admission: $3
- Family season pass: $230
- Additional group person: $6
Prices and seasonal operating days should be confirmed before visiting.
Families & facilities
Family-friendly facilities
Picnic areas
Picnic facilities are available within the park, with the campground and picnic area listed as open year-round.
Visitor center
See real uncut diamonds, explore exhibits and begin learning about the site's geology and history.
Diamond Discovery Center
Learn search techniques, rent tools and have rocks and minerals identified by park staff.
Group facilities
The park lists an accessible classroom and an enclosed climate-controlled pavilion with tables, BBQ facilities and restrooms.
Nature
Wildlife & the Little Missouri River environment
Crater of Diamonds occupies a pine-covered landscape along the Little Missouri River. Visitors can experience the park's natural side on its walking trails and at the wildlife observation area.
The park also offers interpretive programming focused on its natural and geological resources. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, so the best approach is to use the observation facilities quietly and follow posted park guidance.
Responsible wildlife viewing
- Observe wildlife from a respectful distance.
- Do not feed wildlife.
- Keep food and trash secured.
- Stay on designated routes where required.
- Follow posted wildlife advisories.
Accessibility
Accessibility at the park
Documented accessible features
- Half of the Little Missouri River Trail is described by the park brochure as paved and barrier-free.
- The trail includes interpretive exhibits.
- The Diamond Discovery Center classroom is listed as accessible.
- The enclosed pavilion is listed as accessible.
Diamond-search access
Diamond-hunting rules provide for reasonable transportation accommodations for people with qualifying disabilities, with arrangements determined by park personnel on a case-by-case basis.
Because a plowed search field is inherently uneven outdoor terrain, visitors with specific mobility requirements should contact the park before arrival to discuss current conditions and practical access.
Service animals: Follow applicable park and accessibility rules. Pet rules are
separate from
service-animal requirements;
contact the park if you need destination-specific assistance.
Arrival
Parking & getting there
Crater of Diamonds State Park is located at 209 State Park Rd, Murfreesboro, AR 71958. The official park brochure places the park about two miles southeast of Murfreesboro on Arkansas Highway 301.
For navigation, use the official address rather than assuming that a general Murfreesboro destination will lead to the diamond-search entrance. Allow extra time for parking, admission and equipment preparation before the search area closes.
Get directionsPark contact
Phone: 870-285-3113
Email: CraterofDiamonds@Arkansas.com
Address: 209 State Park Rd, Murfreesboro, AR 71958
Food & supplies
Food, tools and supplies
At the park
The park has a gift shop and Diamond Discovery Center, and the park's brochure describes a seasonal restaurant and picnic area. Restaurant hours are seasonal and should be confirmed with the park.
Diamond-search equipment is available for rent at the Diamond Discovery Center, so visitors do not necessarily need to bring their own digging and screening tools.
In Murfreesboro
The official park brochure identifies Murfreesboro as the nearest community for motels, restaurants and other conveniences. Plan food, fuel and other personal supplies around the services you need rather than assuming all supplies are available inside the park.
For a long diamond-hunting day, bring suitable drinking water, food, sun protection and weather-appropriate clothing.
Trip planning
How long should you spend?
2–3 hours
Focused visit
Learn the basics, search the field for a while and visit the Discovery Center. Best for visitors passing through.
Half to full day
Best first visit
Allow time for equipment, diamond hunting, identification, a trail walk and a picnic or other park activity.
Overnight
Extended search
Camping makes it easier to dedicate more than one search session to the park and explore its trails and seasonal facilities.
Seasons
Best time to visit Crater of Diamonds
There is no single best season for every visitor. Your ideal timing depends on whether diamond hunting, comfortable outdoor conditions, camping, or the Diamond Springs Water Park is your priority.
Spring & fall
These seasons can be attractive for visitors who want to combine diamond hunting with walking and outdoor exploration. Check the forecast and recent rainfall before working the search field.
Summer
Summer adds the seasonal Diamond Springs Water Park, but digging can be physically demanding in hot weather. Start early, carry adequate water and check heat and storm conditions.
Winter
The park is open year-round and the campground/picnic area is listed as open all year, but outdoor conditions can make digging and walking less comfortable. Check current weather and facility schedules.
Busy periods
Weekends, holidays and pleasant-weather periods can be popular. Arriving early gives you more time before the 4 p.m. diamond-search closing time.
Safety & rules
Diamond-hunting rules and outdoor safety
Important search-area rules
- No ladders or battery-operated or motor-driven diamond-searching equipment.
- Searching activity must remain within the designated plowed field.
- Excavated material must be kept at least two feet from the edge of a hole or trench.
- Undercutting or tunneling into excavation walls is prohibited.
- Do not enter an excavation containing standing or flowing water until the water and its source have been eliminated.
- Excavations must be refilled to the original surface at the end of each day.
- Processed concentrate taken from the search area is limited to five gallons per paying customer per day.
- Temporary shelters must be safely secured and removed daily.
Watch the conditions
- Check the weather before digging or hiking.
- Use extra caution around excavations.
- Supervise children in areas without fences or warning signs.
- Stay out of closed or unsafe areas.
- Use appropriate footwear for wet or uneven ground.
- Carry sufficient water during hot-weather visits.
Pet policy: Pets are allowed in park facilities except the gift shop and
Diamond Springs
Water Park,
provided they remain on a leash and under the owner's control. Do not leave pets in
vehicles.
Interpretation
Events & ranger programs
Crater of Diamonds offers interpretive programs throughout the year, with a variety of park-focused programs, hikes and demonstrations. Current programming can include diamond-mining demonstrations, geology activities, guided hikes and family educational programs.
Diamond programs
Look for scheduled diamond-mining demonstrations and educational sessions that explain the search process.
Guided walks
Seasonal programming can include guided hikes and nature-focused activities around the park.
Family activities
The park calendar can include geology, wildlife and hands-on educational activities suitable for families.
Before visiting: Program dates, schedules and availability can change. Check the
official
park calendar before making a trip specifically for an event.
Map & layout
Understand the park before you arrive
The official park materials provide maps and visitor information for planning the search area, trails, camping and facilities. Because the diamond-search area, Discovery Center and visitor facilities serve different purposes, review the park map before arrival.
Key places to locate
- Park entrance and visitor center
- Diamond Search Area
- Diamond Discovery Center
- Little Missouri River Trail
- Prospector Trail
- Wildlife observation area
- Campground and picnic area
- Diamond Springs Water Park
- Restrooms and group facilities
Supplies
Park store & diamond-hunting supplies
Visitor center & gift shop
The visitor center includes a gift shop, exhibits and restrooms. It is also the starting point for getting oriented to the park.
Diamond Discovery Center
The Discovery Center offers equipment rentals, geological information, search guidance and complimentary identification of rocks and minerals found at the park.
Before you go
Crater of Diamonds visit checklist
- Check the official park page for current hours and alerts.
- Confirm diamond-search admission and current equipment-rental prices.
- Arrive early enough to use the 8 a.m.–4 p.m. search window.
- Decide whether you will bring permitted hand tools or rent them at the Discovery Center.
- Review the diamond-hunting rules before digging.
- Bring water, food and weather-appropriate clothing for a long search.
- Consider adding the Little Missouri River Trail or Prospector Trail to your visit.
- If camping, reserve your site and confirm check-in requirements.
- If visiting the water park, confirm its current seasonal days and hours.
- Keep children supervised around excavations and uneven outdoor areas.
- Have interesting rocks and potential diamonds identified by park staff.
What to bring
- Drinking water
- Food and snacks
- Sun protection
- Sturdy outdoor footwear
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Gloves if preferred for digging
- Permitted hand tools, if bringing your own
- A small container for interesting finds
Check current park rules before bringing specialized equipment.
Frequently asked questions
Crater of Diamonds State Park FAQ
The current listed diamond-search admission is $15 for visitors over 12, $7 for ages
6–12 and free for
children under 6.
Equipment rentals are additional.
Yes. The official park information says visitors can keep rocks, minerals and gemstones
they find in the
search area.
Potential diamonds can be identified and registered at the Diamond Discovery Center.
The current park listing gives the diamond-search area hours as 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily,
except for
listed holiday closures.
You can bring permitted hand equipment, but ladders and battery-operated or motor-driven
mining
equipment are prohibited.
The park also rents several tools and searching kits.
Yes. The park lists 47 Class AAA campsites with 50-, 30- and 20-amp service plus water
and sewer, as
well as walk-in tent sites.
Reservations are available through Arkansas State Parks.
Diamond Springs Water Park is a seasonal water facility. The current listing gives a
Memorial Day–Labor
Day season with
typical hours of 11 a.m.–4 p.m., but days and hours can change.
The Little Missouri River Trail and Prospector Trail are the park's principal named
trails in the
official materials.
The Little Missouri River Trail is 1.2 miles and level; the Prospector Trail is also 1.2
miles and
focuses on geological features.
Pets are allowed in park facilities except the gift shop and Diamond Springs Water Park,
provided they
remain leashed and
under the owner's control. Pets should not be left in vehicles.
Some facilities and routes have documented accessibility features. Half of the Little
Missouri River
Trail is described as
paved and barrier-free, and the Discovery Center classroom and pavilion are listed as
accessible.
Contact the park for
current conditions and specific mobility needs.
A half or full day is a practical first-visit target if diamond hunting is your main
activity. Add more
time if you want
to hike, attend programs or spend the night.
Yes. Park staff at the Diamond Discovery Center provide complimentary identification of
rocks and
minerals found at the park,
and diamonds can be registered there.
Yes. The park is open year-round, although facility hours and seasonal attractions vary.
The Diamond
Springs Water Park,
for example, operates seasonally.
Plan your visit
Ready to search the Crater?
Check current hours, admission, reservations, seasonal water-park operations and park information before you leave. Conditions, prices, schedules and availability can change.