These days it can seem like available vacation spots are a dime a dozen, leaving you with few chances to find a diamond in the rough worth discovering. But, what if there were a place you could visit that allowed you to get rough and discover diamonds? That would be an experience worth checking out, right?
Well, look no further than Crater of Diamonds State Park, just south of Murfreesboro, Arkansas to make such a
dream destination a reality. Nowhere else in the world offers the general public an opportunity to go diamond hunting at such a site. If this sounds intriguing, it’s time to dig into why you should hop in an RV, find Crater of Diamonds RV park, and make it your next vacation!
Crater of Diamonds State Park Facts
If you choose to visit with an RV rental, Crater of Diamonds State Park will keep you busy digging, but do you know much about it? The following Crater of Diamonds State Park facts will help you appreciate one of the most unique vacation destinations in the world.
- Crater of Diamonds State Park was named as a state park in 1972.
- Park visitors search for diamonds and other rocks and minerals in the park’s 37-acre search field.
- Crater of Diamonds State Park is one of the only places in the world where the public can search for diamonds at their original volcanic source.
- 33,100 diamonds have been found by park visitors at Crater of Diamonds State Park.
- The largest diamond ever unearthed in the U.S., the 40.23 carat “Uncle Sam” was found at Crater of Diamonds State Park.
Now that you are familiar with the park, let’s dive into the best Crater of Diamonds State Park RV parks!
Best Crater of Diamonds State Park RV Parks and Campgrounds
There are many RV parks near Crater of Diamonds State Park worth visiting. The following guide will help you to choose between them.
Miners Camping
Amenities: Rustic RV camping near Crater of Diamonds State Park is what you’ll find at Miners Camping. One of the main reasons to stay here is access to Crater of Diamonds State Park right next door. They say those who have stayed there in the past have found thousands of diamonds, so if you’re interested in their knowledge — and catch-and-release ponds — you may find this is a great campground for your needs. Enjoy full hookups at a reasonable rate with Miners Camping.
Capacity: 33 sites
More Information: Miners Camping
Murfreesboro RV Park
Amenities: This small, family-owned Crater of Diamonds State Park RV camping option has daily classes on diamond hunting for guests. They also offer free diamond-hunting tools for those who stay at least two nights, which can
save you money at Crater of Diamonds State Park.
The office sells t-shirts, firewood, and other supplies. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and ice as well. Picnic tables and fire rings provide ample space to enjoy yourself once you’re done digging for diamonds. A potluck every other Thursday helps those staying there to get to know each other.
Capacity: 10 sites
More Information: Murfreesboro RV Park
Castle Keepers RV Resort
Amenities: Each RV campsite at Castle Keepers RV Resort has water, electric hookups, a BBQ grill, a picnic table, and a fire ring. Once you’ve had your fill of diamond hunting, you can return to one of the most relaxing places to go RV camping near Crater of Diamonds State Park. Wash off in the large, private alfresco showers then settle around the campfire and
tell spooky stories in the evening.
Have fun at the horseshoe pits, play disc golf or shuffleboard, or make use of the nature trails to reconnect with your surroundings.
Capacity: 15 sites
More Information: Castle Keepers RV Resort
Caddo River Access RV Park
Amenities: When you’re staying at Caddo River Access RV Park, be aware that you’re in a flood zone, but then… access to Caddo River is literally in the name, isn’t it? At one of the potentially wetter Crater of Diamonds State Park RV campgrounds, you’re perfectly situated to go fishing, swimming, kayaking, or canoeing on the river.
If you book early enough, you can make a site request. The staff will do their best to honor it, and all of the RV campsites have electric hookups. When you’re done for the day, enjoy the free Wi-Fi (high-speed internet is also available) as you kick back and relax.
Capacity: 51 sites
More Information: Caddo River Access RV Park
Crater of Diamonds State Park Campground
Amenities: When you arrive in an RV rental, Crater of Diamonds State Park has jewels aplenty to be found. But perhaps none of the RV parks near Crater of Diamonds State Park have quite as many as the Crater of Diamonds State Park Campground. For those interested in RV camping in Crater of Diamonds State Park, this is the place to stay.
When you’re Class AAA RV camping here, you’ll have access to the park’s 37 acres of plowed field that holds the “only diamond-producing site open to the public.” The diamonds will beckon you from the moment you open your RV’s door.
Capacity: 47 sites
More Information: Crater of Diamonds State Park Campground
Best Time To Visit Crater of Diamonds State Park for RV Camping
Some of the most important Crater of Diamonds State Park facts deal with the weather. The following seasonal and weather info will help you decide the best time to visit Crater of Diamonds State Park!
Winter
In recent years, milder winter temperatures have been recorded at Crater of Diamonds State Park, with anywhere from 26 to 34 days of temperatures below freezing. This means fewer
freezing winter days on average than in the past. Daily highs average in the 50s Farenheit in December, dropping to the 40s in January and February. Rain can fall throughout winter, but you’re more likely to see diamond crystals than snow crystals.
Spring
As the weather starts to warm up, Crater of Diamonds State Park’s visitor numbers increase, as do reservations at Crater of Diamonds State Park RV sites — especially around spring break. Arrive as early as you can to beat the crowds. Springtime highs can average in the 70s, but freezing weather and snow flurries are known to happen! Still, be prepared mostly for rain; March is often the wettest month.
Summer
In summer, high temperatures range from the high 80s to the low 90s, but it’s not necessarily the heat that will get to you –– it’s actually the humidity. Luckily for the kids, the
Diamond Springs Water Park is there to help them beat the heat. For adults, cooler than usual temperatures in the Little Missouri River mean summer is also a great time for fishing.
Fall
Fall is an ideal time to go Crater of Diamonds State Park RV camping, due to milder temperatures and thinning crowds. If you’re lucky enough to be able to visit in the fall, RV parks near Crater of Diamonds State Park will be less busy. In autumn, you can catch the brief but beautiful changing colors of the fall foliage. You may be in agreement with many of those visitors who believe fall is the absolute best time to visit Crater of Diamonds State Park.
Things To Do in Crater of Diamonds State Park
You’ll want to know about things to do in Crater of Diamonds State Park before you go there so you can plan entertainment ahead of time. Here’s a helpful list to get you started!
- Hunt for Diamonds. Prospect the 37-acre plowed search field, the only such diamond site in the world open to the public. Anything you find (diamonds, quartz, etc.!) is yours to keep!
- Hike. Short hikes around Crater of Diamonds State Park provide a wonderful way to take your mind off of diamond-hunting.
- Fish. Largemouth bass, bream, and catfish can be found fishing off the banks of the Little Missouri River, and the river is also stocked with trout from November to March.
- Observe Wildlife. Visit the Wildlife Observation Blind to see deer, squirrels, turkeys, and other animals without them being able to see you!
- Interpretive Programs. Throughout the year, take part in diamond hunting demos, history walks, and other great educational programs!
These are just a few of the activities the park offers, so you’ll want to book your reservation in advance to have the chance to experience them all!
Tips on Visiting Crater of Diamonds State Park
As you can see, there are a variety of things to do in Crater of Diamonds State Park, beyond the obvious diamond-hunting activities. To make sure you have the fullest and most fun time possible, here are a few tips to ensure your trip is the best it can be!
- If you don’t have your own mining equipment, you can rent some from the Diamond Discovery Center.
- Any rocks or minerals found on the search field can be taken to the Diamond Discovery Center, where they will be helpfully identified for you.
- Five gallons of sifted gravel per person, per day, can be removed from the diamond search area, but unsifted dirt may not be removed.
- Leashed pets are welcome anywhere in Crater of Diamonds State Park, except the restaurant, visitor center gift shop, water park, and bathhouses.
- If you’re going fishing, be sure you have an Arkansas fishing license.
Keep these tips and tricks in mind as you venture your way to the state park and you’re bound to have a fantastic time!
RV Rental for Crater of Diamonds State Park
For prepared travelers with an RV rental, Crater of Diamonds State Park is a wonderful way to literally dig into your next vacation spot. How can you get behind the wheel of such an RV rental, though? The best way is to rent your RV from
Cruise America.
The
wide selection of RVs available to rent from Cruise America, in a variety of sizes, means there’s an RV fit for you and your family, complete with modern amenities, conveniences, and features. There’s no need to go prospecting all over for
RV rentals; just
contact Cruise America today!