The Ultimate Guide to Crater of Diamonds State Park

Diamonds are what Crater of Diamonds State Park is best known for, but there’s so much more to this park. The park is 911 acres, 37 of which you can dig for diamonds on. The rest of the park consists of forests and various small things to do. Naturally, the park attracts many questions as it’s a very unique and interesting site, and I’m here to answer all the questions you might have.

I’ve made separate blog posts on the best time to visit Crater of Diamonds and tips when digging for diamonds at Crater of Diamonds, this blog post will answer the more general questions, including where to stay, what else to do, and what to bring so that your day at Crater of Diamonds is as good as it can be.

Where is Crater of Diamonds State Park

Crater of Diamonds State Park is located in southwest Arkansas, just over an hour’s drive from Hot Spring National Park and under two hours from Little Rock. Due to the park’s southern locality, the park features warm weather for much of the year but can get cold for a couple of months.

What is the closest town to Crater of Diamonds State Park?

The closest town to Crater of Diamonds State Park is Murfreesboro, a town of just 1,500 people featuring fantastic charm and history. The town and the overall county have been largely built around this diamond mine, as tourism and profits have been largely centered here. You’ll find this charm all around the town.

What to Bring to Crater of Diamonds

To enjoy this park to the fullest, you need to come prepared. I’ll list everything you need to bring down below:

• Lots of Water, especially in summer
• Food as there are only snacks on site
• Sunscreen
• Shovel and bucket (can rent at park)
• Sifting screens
• Towel

What to wear to Crater of Diamonds?

Digging for Diamonds is a messy task, so you have to make sure you have the right clothing to make your trip a success. Even if you aren’t finding diamonds, there are some important things to consider, I’ll leave a list of what to wear below:

• Walking shoes
• Rain boots if digging for diamonds
• Comfortable clothing
• Extra Clothing

What else is there to do at Crater of Diamonds State Park?

Aside from diamonds, Crater of Diamonds still has plenty to do. There are three trails at the park spanning 2.5 miles, these trails are considered easy relaxing hikes, perfect for any level hiker.

There’s also a water park at Crater of Diamonds which is open in summer. This is perfect for those hot days and a great break from diamond digging.

The last thing you can do is visit the Information Center & Gift Shop. You can learn about the history of this park and find a souvenir while staying indoors. These are things you can do in Crater of Diamonds but there are plenty of things to do nearby.

Things to Do Near Crater of Diamonds

As Crater of Diamonds is in an isolated place, be ready to drive. Nearest to Crater of Diamonds is Ka-Do-Ha Indian Village Museum, where you can find artifacts and many historic minerals. A bit further is DeGray Lake, where you can hike one of six trails, rent boats, horseback ride, enjoy the beach, and so much more. Around an hour away is Hot Spring National Park, where you can take panoramic views from Hot Springs Mountain Tower.

How Much Does Crater Of Diamonds State Park Cost

Admissions fees to the park are shown below, updated to August 2024.

This doesn’t include the price of any rental equipment that you might need at Crater of Diamonds. There are a few things you need when visiting the park including a shovel, bucket, and mesh shifter.

How Much Does It Cost To Stay at Crater of Diamonds?

Generally, your cheapest option is to camp, as this costs just $40 per night. The campsite features restrooms with showers but no tents, so you’re responsible for bringing your own. Staying in Murfreesboro will generally cost you around $80 per night while slightly further resorts will range over $100. Let’s go into detail about some places to stay.

Hotels near Crater of Diamonds State Park

The nearest option for a place to stay aside from camping is Diamond John’s Riverside Retreat. Although not ideal, it’s the nearest option. Just four miles up the road in Murfreesboro are some better options including Queen of Diamonds Inn and Samantha’s Timber Inn. An hour away is DeGray Lake State Park Resort with tons of lodging and amenities. If you’re willing to go just a bit further, Texarkana and Hot Springs have tons of options.

Overall Thoughts

Crater of Diamonds is a fantastic place to visit, one that you can’t miss if you’re in the area. I’ve made a host of other posts around this park so any questions you might have are already answered. With that being said, check out the frequently asked questions for any lingering questions, or contact us if you think I missed something.