Crater of Diamonds State Park, Murfreesboro

While the allure is to get rich quick, your chances of finding anything other than sweat and a fun time are pretty low. That said, the cost to enter and dig ($10) was reasonable as was the cost to rent the tools ($15 for the full bundle but you can rent a la carte as well - note that a higher deposit is required but then returned). Getting there early is a must to secure a spot at the water trough. Since there is almost no shade anywhere except the pavilions, bring a hat at the very least and a lot of drinking water. Heatstroke can creep up on you very easily because your hands feel cool when they are in the water.

Campground is a little pricey at $42 a night but we still had a great time. Shower house was some of the best I’ve seen and there’s nice walking trail to the river nearby. And of course the thrill of the hunt for diamonds! We would stay again