Crater of Diamonds + Lake Greeson Weekend Itinerary
Two days of diamond mining, lake swimming, fishing, and small-town dining in Murfreesboro, Arkansas — with an optional third day.
Murfreesboro, Arkansas is one of the few places in the country where you can dig for real diamonds in the morning and swim in a clear, cool reservoir the same afternoon. Crater of Diamonds State Park sits about ten minutes from Lake Greeson, and both are within a short drive of our Lake Greeson cabins on Parker Creek Road.
Friday Evening — Arrive & Settle In
Pick up groceries at Murfreesboro Grocery on Main Street before heading out to the cabin. Get the firepit going, throw something on the grill, and watch the sun set over the pines. Lake Greeson sits in a designated Dark Sky region, so star-gazing from the deck is a strong way to end the night.
Saturday Morning — Crater of Diamonds
The park opens at 8:00 a.m. Aim to be there by 8:15. The 37.5-acre search field is plowed regularly to bring fresh material to the surface — diamonds, amethyst, jasper, agate, quartz, and a long list of other gems turn up here, and anything you find is yours to keep. Rent shovels and sifting screens at the Diamond Discovery Center or bring your own. Plan on 3–4 hours.
Saturday Afternoon — Lake Greeson
After lunch on the Murfreesboro town square, head back to the cabin and walk down to Parker Creek Recreation Area for swimming, paddling, or shoreline fishing. The gravel-bottom swim beach is one of the cleanest on the lake. If you're more interested in fishing than swimming, see the Lake Greeson Fishing Guide.
Sunday — Choose Your Adventure
Return to the search field for round two, drive 20 minutes south to Daisy State Park, fish the Little Missouri River tailwater below Narrows Dam, or take the 45-minute drive west to Cossatot River State Park for whitewater and overlooks.
Where to Stay
The Americana (sleeps 6) and The Codex (sleeps 8) are pet-friendly cabins on Parker Creek Road, walking distance from the Lake Greeson swim beach and a ten-minute drive from Crater of Diamonds. Both include a private hot tub, firepit, full kitchen, and Wi-Fi. Browse all Murfreesboro cabins.