Nestled within Arkansas's legendary Crater of Diamonds State Park, this campground offers the rare thrill of sleeping steps away from North America's only public diamond mine. Wake up in a peaceful pine and hardwood forest, then spend your days digging for real diamonds in the park's famous 37-acre search field—a one-of-a-kind adventure where finders really are keepers.
Campground accommodates RVs and tents with full hookups at RV sites; site counts and specific site-type breakdowns noted in park materials.
Historical Significance
The park preserves part of a diamond‑bearing volcanic pipe and is notable as one of the few public sites where visitors may search for and keep any diamonds they find. The site has a long history of public diamond hunting and interpretive programming related to its geology.Weather and SeasonsSpring brings the sweet spot for diamond hunting: comfortable temperatures, blooming dogwoods, and soil conditions that make spotting gems easier. Summer turns the open search field into a sun-baked challenge, so early mornings become prime hunting time before the Arkansas heat peaks. Fall ushers in crisp air and beautiful foliage, making it ideal for families who want to combine camping with treasure hunting in comfort. Winter sees fewer crowds and year-round access to the field, with seasoned hunters swearing that heavy rains wash the surface clean and bring fresh diamonds to light—giving cold-weather campers a secret advantage.
Natural Features and SceneryThe heart of this park is something truly extraordinary: an ancient volcanic crater that's been plowed into a working diamond field where visitors have unearthed thousands of gems since 1972. Beyond the search area, the landscape transitions into serene Arkansas woodlands—hundreds of acres of towering pines and hardwoods crisscrossed by quiet trails and seasonal creeks. The gently rolling terrain creates pockets of deep shade perfect for recovering after a morning spent scanning the field, while the forested setting provides a striking contrast to the open, mineral-rich ground where treasures wait to be discovered.
Geological RegionDiamond-bearing volcanic pipe (eroded volcanic crater) with a 37-acre plowed search field surrounded by pine–hardwood forest
Scenic ViewsPrimary views are of the open, plowed volcanic field—a broad, treeless expanse—framed by tree‑lined horizons. From campground areas and trails visitors also see typical southwest Arkansas pine and hardwood forest with gently rolling terrain.