Crater of Diamonds

We've been invited to meet up with some friends this fall at Crater of Diamonds SP. Has anyone been there? I've been to their web site, but they're extremely vague on RV amenities and availability. Or, maybe another CG in close driving distance to the park?

TC

that place is on my list of things to do. I've been wanting to go there for awhile.

It is about 45 minutes from me. I have driven through it a few times and the campground is nice, but probably 1/2 of it is made for smaller campers / class b's. I have never stayed there, but I have dug for the elusive shinny rock. No luck. They did put in a nice little water park last year and it will help with the summer heat. As far as other campgrounds close by, there are no private that come to mind. There are some Corps parks on Lake Greeson (about 5-10 miles away). There is also Daisy State park on the north side of Greeson (one of our favorites), but it is just under 20 miles away.

I think as long as you called the campground and told them the size of your rig, they could give you some site options. I will gladly go up and take pictures of the ones they give you so you can have an idea of what you would have. I know they have water and electric and a dump station. In Arkansas, each park operates a little different, but most sites are preservable and I would recommend making a reservation especially if you plan to be here on a weekend.

Thanks Moo, I appreciate the offer to scope out the camp sites. If the plans take off, I'll definitely get back to you! Right now, we're looking at going down in October, I don't even know if their CG is open at that time of year.

TC

It is open year round, keep in mind we are technically in the south here.

Drove through it again last week. There are plenty of spots big enough for you Cat, they have done alot of work to make the sites bigger. It was about 1/2 full last Tuesday.

Thanks for the update. I still have to call CoD for reservations. We're waiting on our friends to say they're definitely going.

What's the weather typically like there from late September to mid October?

TC

Typical or the way it's been the past year or two?

Temps should be 90's during the day going down to 80's by the end of October. Night time temps will get maybe down in the 60's. Usually, it starts raining around early October about once a week, nothing major. Leaves will still be green.

I really want to go find a Diamond..... I just have to convince my wife to go dig in the dirt....

It's not as easy as it sounds. The diamonds don't look any different than any other pebble out there. I haven't heard of any big ones found in a few months, so it's about time again. Some of us around the area feel like they go out there and throw some around every few months, but who knows. I do know that the soil is different than any I have ever seen, heck for that matter, it's different than the soil 300 yards away. The air also has a different feel to it, almost stagnant... It is a neat place. I guess we could do a Wildcat rally there.

I used to walk for miles and miles looking for arrowheads. I had a friend that could walk over the same spot I did and find a hand full of arrowheads right behind me, And I thought I was good, But he was a True Pro...... I'd have to bring him with me.....

Don't you use screens to sift with ?

Brad,

Crater of Diamonds is on my list of CGs I would like to visit. I would be all over a rally held there! Sounds like a blast!

The professionals use sifters, not having any clue what I was doing, I just walked around and turned over some dirt know and then. They also have wash stations to go with your sifters. The soil doesn't ever get "dry", so you put a bunch of this clay like substance in your sifter and dip it up and down in the water until all of the dirt is gone. Then you look for your treasure. It is a hot dirty job, but there is always people there.

A ralley there would be very easy for me since it is only 45 minutes from the house. There were kids in the water park there last week, so the water must be warm enough.

Moo

You've got mail...

TC

moo2613 wrote:It is a neat place. I guess we could do a Wildcat rally there.

Well, we've decided to stay at Daisy State Park and commute. Brad (Moo2613) found out the Crater of Diamonds CG will be closed for a make-over until sometime next year. But, the idea of a mini rally in 2010 is still a cool idea! I've been investigating all the things to do within an hour's drive of Murfreesboro, and it's more than enough to fill a vacation! Fall seems to be the BEST time to go.

TC

Brad, Do I remember you mentioning another CG close to the C of D; either being built or now open? I went to the Good Sam directory and didn't find info. As you pointed out, Daisy is up the road, but the more I think about it, the less thrilled I am of commuting 60 miles round trip daily to play in the dirt. Could you possibly forward some info about the "other" CG close by? Also, have you heard anything good about any of the pay-to-dig crystal mines in that area? We're thinking about taking a day's diversion trip to look for crystals while down there.

Again...I really appreciate your help and input!

TC

To my knowledge, there are no pay-to-dig Crystal mines, I could be wrong, it happens often. There are alot of "rock shops" selling everything from crystals to pieces of colored glass. What we have here is lots and lots of white / clear quarts and on a rare occasion, smokey quarts. The stuff is everywhere and all you have to do is get on a dirt road and walk down the ditch and you will find plenty of it. I will look into the one they are building and try to get you some pictures. Give me a few days, I have to go to Missouri tomorrow, so it will be one day next week.

Here is a link to a private campground right at the entrance to the state park. I have seen it before, but never paid much attention to it. The campsites are not right on the hwy like the one they are building, so that would be a plus. Again, I will get up there one day next week.

http://www.minerscamping.com/

Well, it's set! We've made reservations at the Miner's Camp. Thanks again for all your help Brad.

COME ON...OCTOBER!!

TC

remember we get 10% of all diamonds you find... friend,

Now go get dirty......

Congrats!!!! I'm glad I could be of assistance. I guess you got my email of the pictures, my computer was acting up that day and I never could figure out if they went through or not. And like Phillip said, we get a percentage of the diamonds!!! What days are you in for? I may try to come up and visit one afternoon.

Brad, we'll be there from Sat. 10-10 til Sat. 10-17.

I did find some pay to dig quartz mines up around Mt. Ida, so I think we'll take a drive up that way one day.

As for the diamonds, the DW says, she findey...she keepey. Sorry boys.

TC

Can't wait to hear how the trip went, as I might plan a trip there next year. Take lots of pics and good luck with the finds!

Carpe Diem wrote:Take lots of pics

Carpe, you can count on that!

Next year, you'll have a brand new CG right at the Crater of Diamonds SP to stay in. We might have to follow you back down.

TC

Out trip to Crater of Diamonds has to be scrapped!

TC

What happened??? We were looking forward to coming by for a visit.

moo2613 wrote:We were looking forward to coming by for a visit.

Yeah, I know Brad. I was really looking forward to that too!!

The youngest son has enlisted in the Army, and it looks like he's headed for boot camp during the time we're supposed to be finding diamonds. The DW wants to be here to see him off and I can't blame her one bit. His timing stinks though!!

I've promised her a big canary yellow diamond next year instead, since this year didn't pan out. Besides, looking at this situation as "glass half full", C of D will have a brand new and improved camp ground to enjoy by then. And... that way we're simply putting our visit on hold.

I WOULD appreciate it if you PM me as you get wind of them getting close to opening. If the timing's right, we could go ahead and make an early reservation based on your intel.

TC

I will let you know when it opens back up and how it looks. Thank your son for us!!!

Thanks Brad, much obliged!! And, I'll forward the "thanks" along.

TC