Crater of Diamonds State Park is a 911-acre Arkansas state park featuring a 37.5-acre plowed field where visitors can hunt for real diamonds and keep what they find. Located at 209 State Park Road in Murfreesboro, it is the only diamond-producing site in the world open to the public. This 2026 visitor guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport and parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips.
This guide was updated in March 2026 to reflect the latest operations from the official park website, noting that adult admission to the search area is $15 and the field closes one hour before the main visitor facilities.
Quick facts about Crater of Diamonds State Park
| Quick facts | Details |
| Opening hours | Monday to Sunday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (Search area closes at 4:00 pm) |
| Ticket prices | Adults $15, Children (6–12) $7, Under 6 Free |
| Address | 209 State Park Rd, Murfreesboro, AR 71958 |
| Nearest public transport or parking | Free on-site surface parking |
| Typical time needed to visit | 3 to 4 hours |
Crater of Diamonds State Park opening hours
The visitor center, gift shop, and Diamond Discovery Center at Crater of Diamonds State Park are open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Diamond Search Area — the actual field where you dig — is open daily from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
These hours operate year-round, though the park closes entirely on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. The on-site Diamond Springs Water Park operates seasonally from Memorial Day through to Labor Day.
Crater of Diamonds State Park ticket prices
Admission to the diamond search area costs $15 for adults (ages 13 and older) and $7 for children (ages 6 to 12). Children under six years of age enter for free. Your admission ticket is valid for the entire day, allowing you to leave the search area for lunch and re-enter later.
If you do not bring your own digging tools, equipment can be rented at the Diamond Discovery Center for a small fee plus a refundable security deposit. For example, a Basic Diamond Searching Kit (army shovel, screen set, and 3.5-gallon bucket) costs $15 to rent with a $45 deposit. Note that battery-operated and motor-driven mining equipment are strictly prohibited.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in March 2026.
How to get to Crater of Diamonds State Park
The park is located in Murfreesboro in southwest Arkansas, situated just off Arkansas Highway 301. Due to its rural setting, driving is the only practical way to reach the attraction, as there are no direct public transport links.
The park is approximately a one-hour drive from Hot Springs, Arkansas, and a two-hour drive from the capital city of Little Rock.
Parking at Crater of Diamonds State Park
Free and ample surface parking is available directly outside the visitor center. The parking lot is spacious enough to easily accommodate standard vehicles, large camper vans, and RVs.
How long to spend at Crater of Diamonds State Park
Most visitors require between three and four hours to fully experience the park. This allows enough time to learn what to look for at the Diamond Discovery Center, rent any necessary tools, and spend a solid block of time digging, sifting, and surface searching in the dirt. Dedicated rockhounds often pack a cooler and stay for the entire day.
Accessibility at Crater of Diamonds State Park
The visitor center, Diamond Discovery Center, restrooms, and gift shop are fully wheelchair accessible and connected by paved pathways.
Accessibility in the 37.5-acre diamond search area depends heavily on the weather. Because it is a natural, plowed dirt field, dirt paths are generally navigable for wheelchairs and electric scooters when completely dry, but they can become deeply muddy and impassable after rain. To ensure everyone can participate in the hunt, the north washing pavilion is equipped with a wheelchair-accessible water trough for wet sifting.
Inside / what to see at Crater of Diamonds State Park
The centerpiece of the park is the Diamond Search Area, the eroded surface of an ancient, diamond-bearing volcanic pipe. Because the park operates on a strict “finders, keepers” policy, any diamonds or minerals you unearth are yours to keep.
Before you dig, visit the Diamond Discovery Center. Here, you will learn that raw, uncut Crater diamonds do not look like sparkling jewelry. Instead, they have a smooth, rounded surface with an oily, translucent metallic luster, and are typically white, brown, or yellow. The staff here will also provide free identification for any rocks you find and will officially certify and weigh your diamonds.
While diamonds are the main draw, the field is a treasure trove for geology enthusiasts. You can also hunt for amethyst, garnet, jasper, agate, and quartz.
Beyond the dirt field, the park offers the Diamond Springs Water Park (a mining-themed aquatic playground perfect for cooling off in the summer), as well as the Prospector Trail and Little Missouri River Trail for shaded, scenic woodland hiking.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip category | Advice |
| Timing | The absolute best time to visit is a day or two after a hard rain. The water washes away the lighter dirt, leaving the heavier diamonds exposed on the surface. |
| Crowds | Spring break (March) and summer weekends are the busiest times of the year; arrive right at 8:00 am to secure the best rental equipment. |
| Layout | The vast 37.5-acre field offers virtually no shade. Bring wide-brimmed hats, sunscreen, and plenty of drinking water during the summer months. |
| Entry process | Purchase your admission tickets online in advance to bypass the ticketing queues at the visitor center during peak seasons. |
| On-site logistics | Wear old clothes, gardening gloves, and rubber boots or old trainers. You will get incredibly dirty, especially if you decide to try “wet sifting.” |
Frequently asked questions about Crater of Diamonds State Park
| Question | Answer |
| Is Crater of Diamonds State Park suitable for children? | Yes, children love playing in the dirt. Kids frequently find diamonds through simple “surface searching” while walking the plowed rows. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for Crater of Diamonds State Park? | Advance booking is not strictly required, but it is highly recommended to secure your spot during the busy spring and summer months. |
| Is Crater of Diamonds State Park open on Sundays? | Yes, the park and search area open daily at 8:00 am, including on Sundays. |
| Are bags and food allowed in the search area? | Yes, visitors are encouraged to bring their own coolers, snacks, and even pop-up canopy tents, provided the tents are removed at the end of the day. |
Things to do near Crater of Diamonds State Park
- Ka-Do-Ha Indian Village: An archaeological site and museum in Murfreesboro featuring excavated mounds and native artifacts.
- Lake Greeson: A scenic lake situated just north of the park offering excellent boating, fishing, and swimming opportunities.
- Daisy State Park: Located on the northern shores of Lake Greeson, offering shaded camping, kayaking, and ATV trails.
- Murfreesboro Diamond Exchange: A local jewelry shop in town where you can have your raw Crater diamonds evaluated and custom mounted.
- Historic Washington State Park: A preserved 19th-century pioneer town offering guided tours of historic homes, located a short drive south.
