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RDAP Facility

Alderson FPC

Minimum

Federal Prison Camp

Alderson Federal Prison Camp is an all-female minimum-security facility nestled in the Allegheny Mountain foothills of West Virginia. With a population of roughly 693, it is one of the larger women's camps in the federal system — offering a wide range of programming, including RDAP, vocational apprenticeships, and the only all-female Federal Fire Department unit in the country.

Last verified: March 4, 2026

FPCMid-Atlantic RegionFemale

What to Expect at Alderson FPC

Location & Travel

  • •Alderson Federal Prison Camp sits in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains, on both sides of the Greenbrier River. The towns of Lewisburg, Hinton, Ronceverte, and White Sulphur Springs are all within a short drive. The facility is about 270 miles southwest of Washington, D.C., 12 miles south of Interstate 64 off State Highway 3. The closest airport is Greenbrier Valley Airport in Lewisburg.
  • •Nearby lodging includes Quality Inn Lewisburg (304-992-7390), Hampton Inn Lewisburg (304-645-7300), and Country Inn & Suites (888-395-2083).
  • •From Washington, D.C. and points east: take I-64 to Alta Exchange, seven miles west of Lewisburg, WV. Exit 161, turn south (left) onto Route 12 to Alderson.

Communication & Mail

  • •You receive 300 free phone minutes per month if you are First Step Act eligible, then you pay six cents a minute for up to 210 additional minutes. Calls cut off after 15 minutes, and calls will come from a 202 number or private caller. Phone access is seven days a week.
  • •Alderson Federal Prison Camp accepts U.S. Postal Service mail — First-Class, Priority, and Express. Contact the facility before sending overnight packages via FedEx or UPS, as policies vary. Publications can be received without prior approval, though the warden may reject anything deemed a security concern. Hardcover books and newspapers must come directly from the publisher. You may accumulate up to five magazines, five books, and two newspapers.

Visiting

  • •Visiting hours at Alderson Federal Prison Camp are Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and federal holidays, 8:15am–3:15pm. Each person is allowed a maximum of four adult visitors at a time, not including children. Everyone receives at least four hours of visitation per month.

Daily Life

  • •Each person is assigned one shopping day per week, rotated every six months. The current BOP spending limit is $360 per month. Special purpose item orders are capped at $150 per month, which counts against your monthly limit.

Good to Know

  • •Housing consists of dormitories — you may be housed individually or in a two-person room. Each unit has one television room, and people in the unit decide the programming.

Insider Information

Federal Prison Camp in Alderson, WV. Email: ALD-ExecAssistant-S@bop.gov. Fax: 304-445-3320. County: Greenbrier.

Psychology/Counseling Services

The camp offers a 500-hour Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP). The RDAP program is voluntary, nine months long, and could result in a reduced sentence. In addition, the camp offers a non-residential drug treatment program and Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous, and numerous self-improvement groups. A trauma program for survivors of physical or sexual abuse is offered. Religious counseling to promote spiritual growth and for special needs is also available. Psychologists offer counseling services as needed and groups are offered periodically on topics such as depression and anxiety management. A contract psychiatrist is also available by appointment.

Health Services

Routine medical care and sick call sign-up is 6:45–7:00 AM on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, excluding holidays. Physical exams are provided upon arrival. For those under 50, a physical exam is provided every two years; however, a breast exam and pap smear are available annually. For those 50 or older, a physical exam is provided annually. Anyone serving 18 months or less can submit a request for one dental cleaning; for those serving more than 18 months, a dental cleaning is provided every 12 months. An eye care specialist is available for visual problems — you must first submit an Inmate Request to Staff form for an evaluation. Pill times are posted outside of the Health Services Unit.

Fitness & Recreation

The recreation center is open Sunday through Friday 6:30 AM–7:45 PM and Saturday 12:45–7:45 PM. Hours are subject to change during staff vacations. Activities include arts and crafts, aerobics, Pilates, Sweating to the Oldies, fusion, low-impact spinning, indoor and outdoor volleyball, pool, basketball, ping pong, jogging, brisk walking, softball, roller skating, table games, bingo, bocce ball, game shows, progressive relaxation, talent shows, and the Yarn Project. Intramural team sports include basketball, softball, and volleyball. The Chapel is located on the first floor of the recreation center. The Outside Worship Grounds are in the yard behind the recreation center.

Commissary

See the full commissary list for Alderson FPC below, including available items and pricing.

View Alderson FPC Commissary List↗

Become Extraordinary and Compelling!

Live as the CEO of your life at Alderson FPC by posting journal entries, release plans, and book reports at PrisonProfessors.org—so others can hold you accountable while you build skills and earn freedom through merit.

Preparing for Self-Surrender at Alderson FPC

Alderson FPC is a Federal Prison Camp. Camps generally have greater freedom of movement, no perimeter fencing, lower levels of violence, and access to First Step Act programming.

Pre-Surrender Checklist

  • •Bring your contact list and release plan
  • •Close out work and professional obligations
  • •Set up power of attorney and financial access
  • •Handle all medical preparations
  • •Choose one primary point of contact
  • •Prepare your family for phone and visitation limits
  • •Pack only what the facility allows
  • •Arrange transportation and surrender details
  • •Form a reading list before you arrive
  • •Know which programs are actually offered

Helpful Resources

Top 10 Self Surrender Checklist

Visitation Information For Families

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Programs & Services

Education Programs

  • GED
  • ESL
  • Post-Secondary Correspondence Courses
  • Continuing Education
  • College Correspondence Courses

Vocational Training

  • Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
  • Cooking
  • Electrical
  • Plumbing
  • Teaching Assistance
  • Cosmetology

Health & Wellness

  • RDAP (500-Hour Residential Drug Abuse Program)
  • Non-Residential Drug Treatment
  • Alcoholics Anonymous
  • Narcotics Anonymous
  • Gamblers Anonymous
  • Trauma Recovery Program

Recreation

  • Arts & Crafts
  • Aerobics
  • Pilates
  • Spinning
  • Volleyball
  • Basketball
  • Ping Pong
  • Jogging
  • Brisk Walking
  • Softball
  • Roller Skating
  • Table Games
  • Bingo
  • Bocce Ball
  • Yarn Project
  • Talent Shows

Visiting Information

Regular Visiting Hours

  • Saturday: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
  • Sunday: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
  • Federal Holidays: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Important Notes

  • • Valid government-issued photo ID required
  • • All visitors subject to search
  • • Dress code enforced

Note: Visiting schedules may vary. Contact the facility directly for the most current visiting hours and procedures. For a complete breakdown of visitation rules, dress code, and how to get approved, visit our Visitation Guide.

What a Larger Camp Means for You

With a population of approximately 693 people, Alderson FPC is a larger facility — and that affects everything from programming access to how visible you are to staff.

Pros

  • ✓More programs, more UNICOR slots, more work assignments — you have options, and options matter when you're trying to earn First Step Act credits and build a case for early release
  • ✓More anonymity — in a bigger population, you can find your circle, keep your head down, and move through your sentence without everyone knowing your story
  • ✓The prison hustle has more room to operate — more people means more transactions, more cover, and more opportunity, though the risks of a disciplinary infraction, time in the SHU, or transfer to a higher-security facility remain real
  • ✓Easier for families to visit — larger camps tend to be near bigger cities with better airport and hotel access

Cons

  • ✗Longer wait times for everything — commissary, phones, medical, laundry, and program enrollment all take longer when hundreds of people are competing for the same resources
  • ✗Program waitlists can stretch months — RDAP in particular can have significant delays at high-population camps
  • ✗More interpersonal conflict — more people means more personalities, more tension, and more situations you need to navigate carefully
  • ✗Staff may not know you personally, which can work against you when it comes to halfway house recommendations, compassionate release support, or resolving issues quickly

Frequently Asked Questions About Alderson FPC

Alderson FPC is a minimum-security Federal Prison Camp (FPC). It typically has dormitory-style housing, no perimeter fencing, and more flexible movement compared to higher-security institutions.

Yes. Alderson FPC offers the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP). Eligibility depends on sentencing documents and BOP evaluation. Successful completion may result in sentence reduction.

Yes. Alderson FPC houses female individuals and offers programming tailored to female populations.

Individuals reporting to Alderson FPC typically undergo intake processing including identification verification, medical screening, housing assignment, and orientation specific to this institution's minimum-security level and dormitory housing structure.

Visiting at Alderson FPC typically takes place on Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays. All visitors must be on the approved visiting list and present a valid government-issued photo ID upon arrival. Visitors should follow the BOP dress code: no revealing clothing, no clothing that resembles prisoner uniforms (typically khaki or orange), and no open-toed shoes at some facilities. Contact Alderson FPC directly or check the BOP website for the most current schedule and any facility-specific restrictions.

Funds for individuals at Alderson FPC should be sent through BOP-approved methods: MoneyGram, Western Union, or U.S. Postal Money Orders. All funds are processed through the Federal Bureau of Prisons' centralized National Finance Center in Des Moines, Iowa — not sent directly to Alderson FPC. Money orders should be made payable to the individual's committed name and include their BOP register number. Allow 7–10 business days for processing.

Individuals at Alderson FPC have access to three primary communication channels. Phone: you receive 300 free phone minutes per month if you are First Step Act eligible, then you pay six cents a minute for up to 210 additional minutes. Calls cut off after 15 minutes, and calls will come from a 202 number or private caller. Phone access is seven days a week. Email: the TRULINCS system allows electronic messaging for a small per-minute fee. Regular mail: letters and cards can be sent and received through the U.S. Postal Service. Mail can be sent to: INMATE NAME & REGISTER NUMBER | FPC Alderson | Federal Prison Camp | Glen Ray Rd., Box A | Alderson, WV 24910.

The commissary at Alderson FPC operates on a set schedule and offers snacks, beverages, hygiene products, over-the-counter medications, writing materials, stamps, and limited clothing items. The standard monthly spending limit is $360 (excluding telephone credits, stamps, and OTC medications). Some facilities implement this as a bi-weekly $180 cap. A current commissary list is typically available through the unit team.

Alderson FPC is a minimum-security facility where most individuals serve sentences ranging from several months to 10+ years. Sentence length depends on the offense, sentencing guidelines, and any applicable reductions such as good conduct time or RDAP completion.

The Bureau of Prisons requires all facilities to offer literacy and GED programs for individuals without a high school diploma. Alderson FPC provides educational programming that may include GED preparation, English as a Second Language (ESL), and post-secondary education opportunities through correspondence or partnerships. Current offerings include: GED, ESL, Post-Secondary Correspondence Courses, Continuing Education, College Correspondence Courses. Availability may change based on staffing and enrollment.

The BOP enforces a dress code for all visitors. Clothing must not be revealing — no low-cut tops, shorts above the knee, or see-through materials. Visitors should avoid wearing colors that match prisoner uniforms (typically khaki, orange, or olive drab). Open-toed shoes may be prohibited at some facilities. Undergarments are required. Visitors who do not meet dress code standards may be turned away. Contact Alderson FPC in advance if you have questions about specific items.

Yes, but publications must be sent directly from the publisher, a bookstore, or a book club — not from an individual. Hardcover and softcover books, newspapers, and magazines are generally permitted as long as they do not contain content deemed a security threat. Used books are typically not accepted. All incoming publications are subject to inspection by mailroom staff at Alderson FPC.

Alderson FPC is located in Alderson, West Virginia, within the Mid-Atlantic Region of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Contact the facility directly for driving directions and nearby lodging options.

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How Long Will You Actually Serve?

Federal sentences are not always served in full. Good time credit, the First Step Act, and RDAP can significantly reduce your time served.

Estimate Your Actual Release Date

RDAP Program Available

This facility offers the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP), which can reduce your sentence by up to 12 months.

Female Facility

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Contact Information

1011 US Highway 219

Alderson, West Virginia 24910

304-445-6800

Mailing Address

INMATE NAME & REGISTER NUMBER

FPC Alderson

Federal Prison Camp

Glen Ray Rd., Box A

Alderson, WV 24910

Questions? Call us now: 949-799-3277

Facility Details

Security Level
Minimum
Facility Type
FPC
Region
Mid-Atlantic
Gender
Female
Population
693
Updated: Mar 4, 2026

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Security Notice

All phone calls are recorded. All emails are saved. Mail can be read by staff.