Arkadelphia, Arkansas: Diamonds, Hot Springs & a Lake Worth Staying For

Arkadelphia sits on I-30 between Dallas and Little Rock, and most people blow right past it. That's a mistake. Within 30 miles of this small Arkansas town, you can camp on a 13,800-acre resort lake, dig for real diamonds at the world's only public mine, soak in thermal springs at a national park, and drive one of the most scenic highways in the South.

The 11 dump stations in the area, a well-positioned RV park right off the interstate, and a Corps of Engineers campground on the lake make this a natural stopping point — or a surprisingly good base camp for a week of exploring.

Dump Stations

Arkadelphia has 11 dump stations, concentrated at the campgrounds around DeGray Lake and the RV parks near I-30 Exit 78. The dump station at DeGray Lake Resort State Park has two lanes, so wait times are typically short even during peak weekends.

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Where to Camp

DeGray Lake Resort State Park — The Destination

Arkansas's only resort state park, and it lives up to the title. 113 campsites spread across the property, with 25 Class AAA sites offering full hookups including 50-amp service and sewer. The rest have water and electric. Two-lane dump station across from the amphitheater. Call 501-865-5850 for reservations.

The park itself wraps around 13,800-acre DeGray Lake — a reservoir known for bass, crappie, catfish, and walleye fishing. There's a 90-room lodge, an 18-hole golf course, a full-service marina, swimming beaches, and hiking trails. In winter, the park runs Eagle Watch Tours when bald eagles congregate on the lake. This isn't just a campground — it's a destination.

Iron Mountain Recreation Area — Corps of Engineers

69 reservable sites with electric hookups on DeGray Lake. Full-service marina and boat ramp. To get there: I-30 Exit 78 to AR-7 north 2.5 miles, then Skyline Drive 2.5 miles. Federal campground pricing makes this one of the better deals in the area. The adjacent Iron Mountain Trail System has 24+ miles of world-class mountain biking singletrack if you travel with bikes.

Arkadelphia Campground & RV Park — Interstate Convenient

All pull-through sites accommodating rigs up to 60 feet. Full hookups with 50-amp. One mile off I-30 Exit 78, walking distance to Cracker Barrel and the Pilot Travel Center. This is the practical choice if you're doing an overnight on the Dallas-Little Rock corridor and need full services without a long detour.

Dispersed Camping

Nothing immediately near town, but Ouachita National Forest offers free dispersed camping about 30 miles north along Scenic Highway 7. Bring everything you need — no services.

Three Attractions Worth the Drive

Crater of Diamonds State Park (30 miles south, Murfreesboro)

The only public diamond mine in the world. You dig in a 37-acre plowed field of volcanic soil, and you keep what you find. Over 75,000 diamonds have been found since the park opened, including the 40.23-carat Uncle Sam diamond. Bring your own tools or rent them at the park. The dirt is volcanic — it's unlike anything you've dug in before. Even if you don't find a diamond, the experience is one of those stories you tell for years.

Hot Springs National Park (30 minutes north via Scenic Highway 7)

America's oldest federal reserve, predating Yellowstone. Bathhouse Row is a stunning collection of early 20th-century bath houses — several are still operating and you can soak in the thermal springs. The Fordyce Bathhouse serves as the park visitor center. Nearby Oaklawn Park offers Thoroughbred horse racing if you're looking for a different kind of entertainment.

Scenic Highway 7

AR-7 runs north from Arkadelphia all the way to Harrison, and it's widely considered one of the most scenic drives in Arkansas. Winding through the Ouachita Mountains with forested ridges, river valleys, and small-town stops. A word of caution for large rigs: the highway has tight curves and steep grades. It's a beautiful drive in a car, truck, or towed camper, but a 40-foot motorhome might find some sections white-knuckle. Know your rig's limits.

When to Visit

Weather alert: Tornado season runs March through May. Arkansas averages 39 tornadoes per year. If you're camping during spring, know where the nearest shelter is and keep a weather radio on.

RV Services

• Fuel: Pilot Travel Center at I-30 Exit 78 — RV-friendly lanes with diesel. Multiple additional stations at Exit 78 and Exit 73.
• Propane: Ferrellgas and AmeriGas both have locations in Arkadelphia.
• Groceries: Walmart Supercenter on Pine Street. Stock up before heading to DeGray Lake or Crater of Diamonds — options thin out south of town.
• RV Repair: Limited locally. For major service, Little Rock (64 miles northeast) is your best bet.

Tips

1. I-30 Exit 78 is your hub. Fuel, food, Cracker Barrel, and the RV park are all within a mile of this exit.
2. DeGray Lake is 64 miles from Little Rock on I-30. Makes a great stopover or weekend destination from the capital.
3. Stock up in Arkadelphia before heading to attractions. Grocery options disappear quickly outside town.
4. Scenic Highway 7 is tight for big rigs. Gorgeous drive, but know your rig's limits on the curves.
5. The DeGray dump station has two lanes. Quick in-and-out even on busy weekends.

Plan Your Stop

Arkadelphia doesn't look like much from I-30. But three of Arkansas's most unique attractions — a diamond mine, thermal hot springs, and a resort lake — are all within 30 minutes. Add a nationally recognized mountain bike trail and one of the South's best scenic highways, and you've got a stop that punches far above its weight class.

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