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Old 03-11-2013, 10:10 PM   #1
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Digging For Diamonds In Arkansas

Hello To Everyone Waiting On Spring! We just got back from Crater Of Diamonds State Park, camping at the Crater campground. Very nice sites and we had a great time, although we didn't find any diamonds. But the digging area had many different color rocks in the field that we kept. We brought the grandson and he's 3 years old, having a blast playing with his bucket and shovel along with Nana & Papa. Had great weather until our leaving day, which it rained and we had to pack up with things wet. We will return hopefully during spring break next year and also hope everyone gets started this year early camping at their favorite camping sites! Best Wishes to everyone and we'll be camping all around Branson and Table Rock Lake as soon as water is turned on starting April 1st!
Heres' some pics of the Crater campground and digging field.

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Old 03-11-2013, 10:38 PM   #2
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Here's more pics
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Old 03-12-2013, 06:19 AM   #3
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Originally Posted by JohnandPandra View Post
Hello To Everyone Waiting On Spring! We just got back from Crater Of Diamonds State Park, camping at the Crater campground. Very nice sites and we had a great time, although we didn't find any diamonds. But the digging area had many different color rocks in the field that we kept. We brought the grandson and he's 3 years old, having a blast playing with his bucket and shovel along with Nana & Papa. Had great weather until our leaving day, which it rained and we had to pack up with things wet. We will return hopefully during spring break next year and also hope everyone gets started this year early camping at their favorite camping sites! Best Wishes to everyone and we'll be camping all around Branson and Table Rock Lake as soon as water is turned on starting April 1st!
Heres' some pics of the Crater campground and digging field.
Nice...last time we were in that area, the campground remodeling was taking place...looks good!



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Old 03-12-2013, 09:15 AM   #4
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Is entry into the digging area included in the campground fee? Thanks. Planning on going that way in April.
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Old 03-12-2013, 09:32 AM   #5
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Thanks for sharing the photos. I've always want to dig for Diamonds in Arkansas but I still haven't gotten around to it.
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Old 03-12-2013, 07:30 PM   #6
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Camping fees for full hookup sites are $30 per nite plus tax. Three nights for us was around $100. When making reservations, you must specify any special needs or location near the bathrooms/laundry building. Entry for adults to dig is $7 per person, under 5 is free. Hours are 8a.m. to 5p.m. and you get to keep what you find. This field is a rock-hounds paradise, with many colored stones all over. A state park employee will identify your stones and any possible diamond discoveries. I wished there were more water sifting stations as the ones in the park filled quickly and left me to dry sift and surface search. Weather was cloudy, so sunshine would have been a big help in spotting diamonds on the surface. Murfreesboro has a Dollar General, some hotels, and a Sonic Drive In. Can't remember about groceries stores in town, but alot of campers drove to Nashville, Arkansas a few miles away to a Walmart. No television reception so bring DVD's. I was able to move my satellite VuCube to get reception through the trees and Sponge Bob saved the day for the grandson(and us!). Just remember to bring snacks as hotdogs are $2.50 each.
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Old 03-12-2013, 08:09 PM   #7
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We crossed digging for diamonds off of our bucket list last fall. Had a great time.... My treasure.....Click image for larger version

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Old 03-12-2013, 08:34 PM   #8
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John,
Glad you had a good time down in Arkansas. Couple more weeks and we head down to Devils Den. The diamond trip is something we want to do but not in the schedule this season. Maybe we'll run into you guys again soon.
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Old 03-13-2013, 07:07 AM   #9
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Great adventure, just went for our third time last fall, no diamonds but a fun place to take the TT. There is a grocery store next to the Dollar General, several gas stations, places to eat, and a small RV repair shop in Murfreesboro. They have a out of state senior discount available on campsites, 25% if I remember correctly.

Great place to go.

Keep on RVing and telling everyone about it.
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Old 03-24-2013, 05:40 PM   #10
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really impressed with AR state parks. Just spent 5 days at Petit Jean, beautiful campground.

Went to Crater of Diamonds as a kid. Sad to say, don't remember much. But we will put it on our list. Not too far to go for a long weekend.
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Old 03-24-2013, 06:03 PM   #11
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We went to Petite Jean summer before last for a week. Very nice camping sites and a lot of good hiking trails.
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Old 03-24-2013, 06:17 PM   #12
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Petit Jean S.P.,Mt. Magazine S.P.,& Devils Den S.P. are all on our list to visit in Arkansas. Traveling south passed Branson on Hwy. 65, we crossed the Buffalo River and could see the beautiful bluffs. We've been told by many people the river is beautiful to float and is a must see also.
Forgot to mention if you get to the State Park's campground before 5p.m., check in at the visitors' center which has a big circle drive in front. After 5p.m., go to your confirmed campsite and check in from 8a.m. to 10a.m. the next day.
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Old 03-24-2013, 06:34 PM   #13
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We went last year and stayed 10 days ( I didn't want to leave). Our site was at the play ground and there were no kids around so it was quite. Just remember to bring back to your site your bucket of gravel to sort through.
Hope to go back again this year, just have to work it in to our plans.... LOL
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Old 03-26-2013, 09:01 AM   #14
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Nice pics!! and yes the camp ground is beautiful. We had UNIT 004 and it was right across the Playground. Our Daughter loved it.

Guys and Gals. Do yourselve a favor and GO TO MT.MAGAZINE in the FALL!!!!! It is beautiful. Family and I were there Fall 2011 and we had an absolute BLAST. We went to Crater of Diamonds, Lake Catherine and Mt. Magazine state parks and enjoyed every second of the trip. And like someone mentioned, Arkansas State Parks are TOP NOTCH!! Everyone of theme was very well maintained and professional.

You can see our Photo Gallery here from our Arkansas Trip
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