Where collection is allowed
Arkansas State Parks expressly authorizes collecting inside the marked diamond-search field after admission. Searching or digging beyond the marked area is prohibited.
The search field, visitor center, rentals, and programs operate on park schedules that can change seasonally. Check the official site for current admission, hours, weather, and closures.
Tools, limits, and timing
Tools and methods
Hand-carried tools are allowed within detailed size and safety rules. Motorized or battery-operated mining equipment and ladders are prohibited.
Amount and use
Visitors may keep legal finds. Processed concentrate taken out is limited to five gallons per paying customer per day; unprocessed ore may not be removed without staff approval.
Season and current status
The park operates year-round schedules with seasonal changes. Heat, mud, storms, and water-park operations vary; verify conditions on the visit date.
Rules to confirm at the site
- Purchase admission before entering the search field.
- Stay inside yellow-marked boundaries.
- Slope excavations safely and never tunnel or undercut.
- Refill excavations at the end of the day.
- Have uncertain finds checked by park staff.
An old webpage, saved map, app layer, social post, or prior visit cannot override a current closure, posted boundary, permit condition, mining claim, staff instruction, or landowner decision.
What makes the site geologically useful
The search field exposes deeply weathered volcanic material from a lamproite pipe.
Most finds are not diamonds. Identification should begin with crystal form, luster, hardness-safe observations, and park verification—not wishful color matching.
A low-impact trip plan
- 1
Review the current park rules before packing tools.
- 2
Ask staff which search method fits the day’s field condition.
- 3
Keep excavations stable and separated from other visitors.
- 4
Sort concentrate without blocking shared facilities.
- 5
Use park identification services for a possible diamond.
Site-specific preparation
- Heat, sun, mud, storms, and dehydration are common field concerns.
- Deep or vertical-sided holes are unsafe and regulated.
- Do not use improvised powered equipment.
Official sources
Open every relevant source shortly before departure. Fees, booking windows, fire rules, seasons, roads, and collection conditions can change without notice.
- Crater of Diamonds State Park Arkansas State Parks
- Diamond hunting rules and regulations Arkansas State Parks
Access and rule review: September 18, 2026. This guide is educational planning information, not a permit, reservation, boundary survey, or legal opinion.