DESTINATION: Murfreesboro, ARIn November 2024, we found ourselves longing for a quick getaway to one of our favorite destinations – Crater of Diamonds State Park, located just outside of Murfreesboro, Arkansas. There’s something magical about this park that keeps drawing us back, and this was our third visit. What sets it apart from other parks is its unique allure: it’s the only state park in the U.S. where visitors can dig for, and keep, any diamonds they find.
Crater of Diamonds State Park 209 State Park Rd Murfreesboro, AR71958 |
This time, we decided to make it a more immersive experience by camping in the park's beautiful campground, marking our second time doing so. Nestled in the woods with a peaceful, serene atmosphere, the campground offers both a relaxing retreat. We stayed in site #26 and made it a base to explore the park’s famous diamond fields. |
Crater of Diamonds State Park offers a variety of amenities at its campground to make your stay comfortable while you enjoy the park's unique attractions. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect: campsites, both primative and sites with electric and water hookups, clean showers and restrooms, picnic tables and fire rings, dump stations, wi-fi and the park is pet friendly. |
Crater of Diamonds State Park offers a few scenic hiking trails that allow visitors to explore the natural beauty of the park, while providing a peaceful retreat from the excitement of diamond hunting.
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The Crater
This trip was our third time digging for diamonds at the Crater. We’ve grown accustomed to the excitement of hunting for precious gems, and this time, we came fully prepared with our own shovels, buckets, and sifters. The entire day was spent hopping back and forth between our campsite and the diamond search area. Though we didn’t find any diamonds (a little disappointing!), we were thrilled to discover two beautiful clear quartz crystals right by the gravel next to our campsite’s drive. It was a curious surprise to find them on our last day, especially after walking over the same area for three days. Nature truly has its way of hiding gems!
GETTING YOUR HUNT ON: The diamond search field spans 37 acres of plowed earth, giving you ample space to search for diamonds. The ground is often plowed and watered, which makes it easier to find diamonds and other gemstones, especially after a rainstorm, as diamonds may be washed to the surface. The park does not use modern machinery to filter the soil, so it’s up to visitors to do the digging and searching. You may bring your own equipment, like we did, or you may rent it from the Discovery Center. |
The diamonds found at Crater of Diamonds State Park are white, yellow, and brown diamonds, and they typically range in size from small pebbles to larger stones. The diamonds are typically rough in appearance, meaning they are not cut or polished like store-bought diamonds. Their raw forms may look like small pebbles or crystals, but they can still be valuable and beautiful! If you think you'd found a diamond you can show it to a park ranger to get your answer. If it truly is a diamond the park rangers will send you to the Discovery Center to be certified.
Daisy, Arkansas - Lake Greeson
As one of our day outtings we headed over to the small town of Daisy, Arkansa, just located about 12 miles from Murfreesboro on Arkansas Highway 27. The drive is scenic and passes through rural areas of southern Arkansas. You can reach Lake Greeson from the town of Daisy or Kirby. The official campground is at Kirby.
Daisy State Park 103 East Park Kirby, AR 870-398-4487 |
Lake Greeson is a stunning reservoir located in the Ouachita Mountains of southwestern Arkansas. The lake, which spans approximately 7,000 acres, is nestled in the scenic foothills of the Ouachitas and offers a range of outdoor activities for visitors. Here's an overview of what you can expect from Lake Greeson and its location in the beautiful Ouachita Mountains
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Lake Greeson is a popular spot for fishing, offering a variety of species, including bass, catfish, crappie, and bluegill. Anglers can fish from the shore, from boats, or along one of the lake's many coves and inlets. The lake is perfect for boating and offers ample space for activities such as wakeboarding, water skiing, and kayaking. The water is clean and clear, making it a wonderful spot for recreational boating.
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If you're looking for an unforgettable fall getaway, Arkansas should definitely be on your radar. Our trip to this beautiful state left us in awe of its vibrant autumn landscapes, charming small towns, and the endless outdoor adventures on offer. The Natural State has to offer, and we're already planning our next visit!
Until next time, happy camping!
Until next time, happy camping!
© 2024 ADVENTURES OF TK & Gman. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ALL PHOTOS ARE THE PROPERTY OF TAMMY KLEPAC PHOTOGRAPHY.
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