Federal Prison Directory
Browse every BOP facility by state and security level — 94 federal prison facilities with visiting rules, mail format, phone setup, programs, and what to expect inside. Written by someone who lived it.
94 guides published
Browse by State
About This Directory
I spent four and a half years inside the federal prison system — starting at a medium and working my way down to a camp. When I got out, I realized that families trying to find information about a specific BOP facility had nowhere to turn. The BOP website gives you an address and a security level. That's it.
This directory fixes that. Every facility guide here is written by someone who lived inside the federal system. Each one covers the things families actually need to know — the mailing address format, visiting hours and dress code, how phone calls work, what programs are available, and what daily life actually feels like at that security level.
We're not affiliated with the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The information here comes from web research and firsthand experience. Always verify current details directly with the facility before making plans — BOP policies change, and individual wardens can override standard rules.
How to Use This Directory
Search by name or state
Use the search bar to find a facility by name (e.g., "Safford") or state. The directory covers all 122+ BOP facilities.
Filter by security level
Tap any security level chip to narrow the list. Not sure what the levels mean? See the breakdown below.
Read the facility guide
Published guides include visiting rules, mail format, phone setup, programs, and an insider's view of daily life.
Track changes
Track your loved one to get automatic alerts when their facility or release date changes.
Guides marked "Coming soon" are in our publishing queue. We're working through every facility in the federal system — check back if yours isn't listed yet.
Federal Prison Security Levels Explained
The BOP classifies every facility into one of five security levels. The level determines everything — housing type, perimeter security, movement, staff ratio, and program access. Here's what each one means in plain language.
Minimum Security (Federal Prison Camp)
The lowest security level in the BOP. No perimeter fence, dormitory housing, and the most freedom of movement. Camps are often standalone or adjacent to a larger facility.
- No perimeter fencing or guard towers
- Open dormitory housing, not cells
- Lowest staff-to-inmate ratio
- Work assignments and community-based programs
- Designation requires a non-violent offense and short sentence
Low Security (Federal Correctional Institution)
One step above a camp. Double-fenced perimeter, housing in cubicles or rooms, and structured daily movement. More programming access than medium or high.
- Double perimeter fencing
- Cubicle or room housing, not open dorms
- Scheduled movement and counts
- Broader program access including RDAP at many facilities
- Most common designation for first-time federal offenders
Medium Security (Federal Correctional Institution)
Hardened perimeter with reinforced fencing and higher staff ratios. Cell housing, more restrictive movement, and tighter count schedules.
- Reinforced double perimeter fencing
- Single or double-cell housing
- More frequent counts and tighter movement control
- Full program roster but longer waiting lists
- Common for longer sentences or disciplinary transfers
High Security (United States Penitentiary)
The most restrictive facilities in the federal system. Multiple barriers, armed towers, and cell housing with limited movement.
- Multiple perimeter barriers and armed oversight
- Single-cell housing with controlled movement
- Highest staff-to-inmate ratio
- Limited out-of-cell time
- Designation for violent offenses, long sentences, or institutional discipline
Administrative Facilities
Special-purpose facilities that handle pretrial detainees, holdovers, medical centers, and transit. Not tied to a single security level.
- Metropolitan Correctional Centers (MCC) and Metropolitan Detention Centers (MDC) hold pretrial and short-stay inmates
- Federal Detention Centers (FDC) handle pretrial and holdover populations
- Federal Medical Centers (FMC) provide specialized medical and mental health care
- Federal Transfer Center (FTC) handles inmate transport routing
- Security level varies by housing unit within the facility
Within each security level, individual facilities can vary — a camp next to a USP operates differently than a standalone camp. Always read the specific facility guide for the details that matter.
Looking for someone specific? Search the BOP registry and track their status.
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