Overview
Crater of Diamonds State Park sits just outside Murfreesboro in Pike County, southwest Arkansas. The 37-acre plowed field that forms the heart of the park is the eroded surface of an ancient volcanic pipe, one of the few places on Earth where diamonds reach the surface naturally — and the only one where paying visitors can search and keep any gem they find.
The field has yielded more than 35,000 diamonds since systematic searches began in the early 20th century. Stones range from tiny chips to significant gems; notable finds include the 40.23-carat Uncle Sam diamond (1924) and the 15.33-carat Star of Arkansas (1956). Everyday visitors still unearth gems regularly, making this a genuinely productive experience rather than a novelty.
Beyond diamond hunting, the park includes a visitor center with educational exhibits on geology and diamond formation, picnic areas, a water park (open seasonally), and walking trails through the surrounding woodland. The town of Murfreesboro itself is small, so most services are concentrated in or near the park.
Before You Go
Admission
The park charges a per-person daily admission fee to enter the diamond search area. Children under a certain age may be admitted free or at a reduced rate. Verify current rates on the Arkansas State Parks official website before your visit, as fees are subject to change.
What to bring
- Old clothes and sturdy shoes or rubber boots — the field is a working plowed surface and becomes muddy after rain
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses); the field is fully exposed
- Plenty of water, especially in summer when temperatures can exceed 95 °F (35 °C)
- Sealable containers or small bags for soil samples and finds
- A trowel or small garden tools (basic screening equipment can also be rented on-site — verify availability locally)
Timing your visit
Searching is most productive in the days following significant rainfall, which washes away loose soil and leaves heavier minerals — including diamonds — more exposed. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable digging conditions. Summer visits are feasible but demanding; start early to beat midday heat.
Getting There
Murfreesboro is a rural community roughly 100 miles (160 km) southwest of Little Rock. A personal vehicle or rental car is the practical way to reach the park; there is no scheduled public transit serving this location.
From Little Rock: Take US-270 West approximately 100 miles to Murfreesboro. The park is clearly signed on the south side of town. The drive takes roughly 1.5–2 hours.
From Texarkana: Head north on US-71 to Nashville, AR, then east on US-278 to Murfreesboro — approximately 75 miles (1.25–1.5 hours).
The nearest commercial airports with rental-car options are Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) in Little Rock and Texarkana Regional Airport (TXK). Flying into Little Rock and driving gives the widest choice of rental vehicles.
Where to Stay
Overnight options within Murfreesboro itself are limited. The park operates a campground with RV hookup sites and tent sites; reservations can be made through the Arkansas State Parks reservation system and are advisable, especially on spring and fall weekends.
For motel or hotel accommodation, the nearest reliable concentration of options is in Prescott (~30 miles east) or Nashville, AR (~20 miles east on US-278). Hot Springs, roughly 65 miles northeast, offers a full range of lodging from budget chains to historic resort hotels and is a reasonable base if you plan to combine the diamond park with other activities in the Ouachita region.
Verify current availability and pricing directly with properties or through major booking platforms, as local inventory is modest and can fill on busy weekends.
Things to See & Do
Diamond Prospecting
The central activity is searching the 37-acre volcanic field. The park offers three recognized search methods: surface searching (scanning the ground after rain), wet sifting (washing soil through screens at water stations on-site), and dry sifting. Staff at the visitor center can orient first-time visitors on what rough diamonds look like — they are often mistaken for quartz or glass.
Visitor Center and Exhibits
Before heading to the field, spend time in the visitor center. Exhibits explain the volcanic geology of the crater, the history of diamond mining here, and display examples of notable stones found over the decades. Staff can show you reference samples of raw diamonds in various colors (white, yellow, and brown are most common; rare reds and blues also occur).
Water Park
The park operates a seasonal water park — primarily suited for families with children — adjacent to the main facilities. Hours and opening dates vary by year; confirm on the Arkansas State Parks website before planning around it.
Picnicking and Nature Trails
Shaded picnic areas provide a welcome break from the exposed field. Short nature trails wind through the surrounding forest and offer a quiet contrast to the busy prospecting area.
Food & Drink
Dining options in Murfreesboro are limited to a small number of local diners and fast-food stops. The park itself has a snack concession area (verify current operation locally), and picnic facilities allow you to bring your own food — a practical choice for a full day in the field.
For a broader selection of restaurants, Nashville, AR (about 20 miles east) has casual American dining. Hot Springs offers the widest variety in the region, with options ranging from Southern comfort food to contemporary American cuisine.
Packing a cooler with lunch, snacks, and extra water is strongly recommended for a full-day prospecting visit, both for convenience and to avoid cutting your search short during peak hours.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
Murfreesboro has basic emergency services. The nearest hospital with full emergency capabilities is Pike County Memorial Hospital (verify address and services locally) or facilities in Hot Springs. In any emergency, dial 911.
Connectivity
Cell service in rural Pike County can be inconsistent depending on your carrier. Download offline maps before arriving. The park visitor center may have Wi-Fi — confirm on-site.
Accessibility
The plowed diamond field is uneven and can be heavily rutted, which presents challenges for visitors with limited mobility. The visitor center and picnic areas are more accessible. Contact the park directly to ask about any accommodations they can offer.
Park Hours
Hours vary by season. The park is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Always check the Arkansas State Parks official website (parks.arkansas.gov) for current operating hours and any closures before making the drive.
Safety
The park is generally safe, and the prospecting field is well supervised. The primary practical risks are environmental: heat exhaustion during summer months, sunburn on the exposed field, and physical strain from prolonged digging and crouching.
Drink water consistently throughout the day — do not wait until you feel thirsty. Wear a wide-brim hat and apply sunscreen before entering the field. If you feel lightheaded or overheated, move to shade at the field's edge immediately.
The field surface after rain can be slippery. Wear boots or shoes with grip. Keep children supervised near the water sifting stations.