Interpretive Programs
Park Interpreters present programs on a regular basis throughout the year. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, programs such as diamond mining demonstrations, rock hound hikes, and history walks may be offered during the day; evening nature programs may also be offered. Children ages 6-12 are invited to participate in the summer children's program series, "Crater Minors," which offers different fun, hands-on programs during the day.
"Adventure Theater" and "Diamond Mining 101" videos are available throughout the year.
Advance arrangements for special programs for bus tours, schools, and other groups can be made with an interpreter.
Mining
The diamond field is open the same hours as the visitor center. The park features a 37-acre field of diamond bearing soil plowed approximately once a month when weather allows. Historical structures, old mining equipment, washing pavilions, and sun shelters are located on the field. Rock and mineral identification is provided at the Diamond Discovery Center.
Camping
Fifty-nine campsites with water and electric hookups, two modern bathhouses with hot showers, a laundry, and dump station are located in the campground.
Diamond Springs Water Park
Opened Summer 2004, Diamond Springs, a 14,700 sq. ft. aquatic playground features a 4,166 sq. ft. wading pool with spray geysers, sprayers, water jets, animated waterspouts, cascades, water slides and water falls along with a deck and pool furniture. Visitors of all ages can enjoy this new aquatic park at Arkansas's diamond park. Learn more.
Wildlife Observation Blind
A gravel walkway leads through the forest to the perfect vantage point to view and photograph deer, turkey, squirrels, a variety of birds and other wildlife in their natural setting.
Fishing
Bank fishing for largemouth bass, catfish and bream on the Little Missouri River is available. Best fishing times are late summer, as the water is unusually cool because it comes out from under Lake Greeson Dam. Access to the river is also available at Terrell Access. This is a public boat launching ramp across from the park. Directions are available at the visitor center. Trout fishing can be outstanding on the Little Missouri River below Lake Greeson Dam. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission regularly stocks the river with trout from November through March, although you may fish for trout year around. A fishing license is required. Licenses and trout stamps are available in Murfreesboro.
Bait Shops
Country Mall Bait Shop, (870) 285-2848, located 3 miles north of Murfreesboro on Hwy 19 going towards Lake Greeson.
Fishing licenses also available at Miner's C-Stop, (870) 285-2719, (the Exxon convenience store) on Hwy 26.
Trails
The River Trail is the longest wheelchair accessible trail in Southwest Arkansas. |
The River Trail is a 1.2 mile wooded trail from the campground to the scenic Little Missouri River. 0.6 miles of the trail are paved, making it the longest wheelchair accessible trail in Southwest Arkansas. The unpaved section of the trail is easily walked.
The Prospector Trail (1.2 miles) offers visitors a first hand view or the park's unique geological features. The rock outcroppings along the west side of the trail are uncommon for this geographical area. The trail is easily walked.
Day Trips
Crater of Diamonds State Park is in a strategic area of southwest Arkansas near other great attractions. While you are in the area, check them out.
Click here for a Crater of Diamonds map showing the proximity to other state parks.
Other state parks to visit in the area:
Directions given assume that Crater of Diamonds State Park is the starting point.
The Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area protects 11 miles of the Cossatot River, a National Wild and Scenic River. The river forms Cossatot Falls, a rugged and rocky canyon that challenges the most experienced canoeists and kayakers with its Class IV rapids. Flow levels are dependent on rainfall and floatable river levels are usually limited to late-fall, winter and spring. No floater services are provided. Brushy Creek Recreation Area at the Highway 246 bridge offers day-use facilities including picnic sites, a nature trail, restrooms and river access. A walkway high above the river provides barrier-free access on the west side.
Directions: To get to the Cossatot River State Park - Natural Area take Arkansas Highway 301 from the park to Murfreesboro. Go behind the courthouse and take Arkansas Highway 27 north to Kirby. At the flashing light take a left (west) onto Highway 70. Past the town of Daisy take Arkansas Highway 369 north to Langley. At Langley take Arkansas Highway 84 west to the town of Athens. At Athens take Arkansas Highway 246 to Cossatot River State Park - Natural Area, Brushy Creek Access. To get to the Visitor Center, at Athens stay on Highway 84 West to Umpire. At Umpire, take US 278 West, cross the Cossatot River (about 9 miles from Umpire) and the Visitor Center is the first road to the left.
Millwood State Park - A series of boat lanes meander through timber, marshes and oxbow cutoffs, making Millwood Lake a "tree-filled" fishing haven. Famous for lunker bass and bass tournaments, this 29,500-acre lake abounds in largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie. Spring and fall are great for crappie fishing. Summer is a great season to fish for catfish and bream. Millwood Lake is one of Arkansas's bird watching hotspots. It is popular for the variety of year-round resident species, bald eagles and waterfowl in winter, plus notable migrants are often found.
Directions: Millwood State Park can be reached by taking Arkansas Highway 301 from the park to Murfreesboro. Take Highway 27 south towards Nashville. Drive through Nashville to Mineral Springs. In Mineral Springs take Arkansas Highway 355 South to Saratoga. In Saratoga take Arkansas Highway 32 west to the park.
On the highest peak in the Ouachita mountains is Queen Wilhelmina State Park. This cloud-capped hideaway reigns above the Talimena Scenic Drive. The park is as rich in history as in scenery. In the late 1800s, a resort hostelry named Queen Wilhelmina Inn in honor of the Queen of the Netherlands was built on Rich Mountain by the Kansas City, Pittsburg and Gulf Railroad. Two inns have replaced the original "Castle in the Sky." This latest lodge offers 38 guest room including two Queen's Rooms with fireplaces and two Regent's Rooms with spa tubs. Enjoy the Queen's Treasury gift shop. The Queen's Restaurant serves delicious Southern cuisine daily. The park's 41 campsites, trails, overlooks and interpretive programs provide a beautiful and refreshing retreat in any season.
Directions: Queen Wilhemina State Park may be reached by taking Arkansas Highway 301 from the park to Murfreesboro. Pass the courthouse and take Arkansas Highway 27 north to Kirby. Drive through the flashing light in Kirby towards Glenwood on US Highway 70/Arkansas Highway 27. In Glenwood take Arkansas Highway 27/8 North to Norman. In Norman stay on Arkansas Highway 8 to Mena. In Mena take Arkansas Highway 88 West, Talimena Scenic Byway, up Rich Mountain to the park.
Daisy State Park - Lake Greeson, Ouachita Mountains and Daisy State Park make a winning combination. Greeson, 7,000 acres of clear water and mountain scenery, delights water enthusiasts. Black and white bass, stripers, crappie, catfish and bluegill account for the lake's popularity with anglers. The Little Missouri River joins four other popular float streams offering spring and early summer trout fishing. Daisy State Park is the perfect campsite for enjoying this area's recreational opportunities.
Directions: To reach Daisy State Park take Arkansas Highway 301 to Murfreesboro. Go behind the courthouse and take Arkansas Highway 27 north to Kirby. Turn left onto US Highway 70 west at the flashing light. The park is at Daisy right off US Highway 70.
Degray Lake Resort State Park is Arkansas' resort state park. It lies on the north shore of DeGray Lake a 13,800-acre fishing and water sports paradise. A 96-room lodge, camping, swimming, tennis, golf, hiking, bicycling and guided horseback trail rides await you. DeGray's full-service marina offers tackle, dock space, fuel, and a wide variety of boat rentals.
Directions: Degray Lake Resort State Park can be reached by driving Arkansas Highway 301 to Murfreesboro. Once in Murfreesboro, take Arkansas Highway 27 North to the Y-intersection with Arkansas Highway 26 East. Take Highway 26 to Arkadelphia. Once in Arkadelphia go North on Interstate 30 towards Little Rock. Exit the interstate at exit #78 in Caddo Valley onto "Scenic 7," Arkansas Highway 7 north. Take Highway 7 north to the park.
Old Washington Historic State Park - Washington is a unique, historic Arkansas community conserved and interpreted by Arkansas State Parks in conjunction with the Pioneer Washington Restoration Foundation. From its establishment in 1824, Washington was an important stop on the rugged Southwest Trail for pioneers traveling to Texas. James Bowie, Sam Houston, and Davy Crockett traveled through Washington. James Black, a local blacksmith, is credited with creating the legendary Bowie Knife here. The state park, established in 1973, interprets Washington from 1824-1889 and includes historic home tours, museums, courthouses, cemeteries and the 1832 Williams Tavern Restaurant. The park also houses the Southwest Arkansas Regional Archives, a resource center for historical and genealogical research.
Directions: To reach Old Washington Historic State Park take AR Highway 301 to Murfreesboro. Take Arkansas Highway 27 south towards Nashville. In Nashville take US Highway 278 toward Hope. The park is 18 miles from Nashville.
White Oak Lake State Park - This park lies on the shore of White Oak Lake, 2,765 timber-filled acres for bass, crappie, catfish and bream fishing. Rich in wildlife, the park offers sightings of herons, egrets, ospreys and bald eagles. Facilities include: campsites, a store, marina with boat rentals, lanch ramp, barrier-free fishing pier, pavilion, picnic sites, trails, and a playground.
Directions: To reach White Oak Lake State Park take Arkansas Highway 301 to Murfreesboro. Then take AR Highway 26 east to Delight. Then take AR Highway 19 southeast to Prescott. From Prescott, travel 20 miles east on AR Highway 24 to Bluff City, then take AR Highway 299 for 100 yards south. Then go 2 ½ miles southeast on AR Highway 387 to the park.
