FPC Alderson Federal Prison Camp

Call or Text 612-605-3989 for a confidential consultation about designation to FPC Alderson or any federal women’s facility.

Overview of FPC Alderson

Federal Prison Camp, Alderson — commonly known as FPC Alderson, Alderson Federal Prison Camp, or simply “Camp Cupcake” — is a minimum-security federal prison operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) exclusively for female inmates. It is located in the small town of Alderson, West Virginia, in the southeastern part of the state along the Greenbrier River in the Appalachian mountains.

FPC Alderson holds the distinction of being the first federal prison built exclusively for women in the United States. Originally called the Federal Industrial Institution for Women, the facility opened on November 24, 1927, under the direction of Dr. Mary B. Harris, its first superintendent. At the time, women convicted of federal crimes were housed in men’s prisons under deplorable conditions. The creation of a dedicated women’s facility was a landmark reform in the federal corrections system. [1]

The facility was designed to look nothing like a traditional prison. Architect William Irwin and Dr. Harris envisioned a campus modeled after a boarding school rather than a penitentiary. The original buildings — each named after prominent social reformers — were arranged in a horseshoe pattern across approximately 500 acres of rolling West Virginia farmland. Inmates farmed the land, performed office work, learned typing and filing, and cooked and canned vegetables. One federal judge at the time described the facility as a “fashionable boarding school.” [1]

Today, FPC Alderson’s campus spans approximately 159 acres along the banks of the Greenbrier River, nestled in the scenic hills near Greenbrier State Forest. [2] The facility continues to operate without armed guards, razor wire, or perimeter fencing — the defining characteristic of all minimum-security federal camps. What sets Alderson apart from other federal camps is its unique cottage-style architecture, its deep history, and the fact that it is one of only a handful of standalone federal facilities for women.

Contact Information

Notable Inmates

FPC Alderson has housed some of the most well-known women in American history. Its roster of notable inmates reflects nearly a century of high-profile federal cases involving women:

• Martha Stewart — The media mogul and businesswoman served five months at FPC Alderson in 2004–2005 after being convicted of obstruction of justice and lying to federal investigators in connection with an insider trading investigation. Her incarceration drew intense media attention and earned the facility its lasting nickname, “Camp Cupcake.” Stewart later told interviewers it was “a horrible experience. Nothing is good about it. Nothing.” [2]
• Billie Holiday — The legendary jazz singer served approximately one year at Alderson in 1947–1948 after pleading guilty to narcotics possession. Her incarceration and subsequent inability to obtain a cabaret card effectively ended her ability to perform in New York City nightclubs.
• Iva Toguri d’Aquino (“Tokyo Rose”) — Convicted of treason for broadcasting Japanese propaganda during World War II, she served six years at Alderson before being released in 1956. She was pardoned by President Gerald Ford in 1977.
• Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme — A member of the Manson Family, Fromme was sentenced to life in prison for the attempted assassination of President Gerald Ford in 1975. She spent decades at Alderson before being transferred and eventually released in 2009.
• Sandi Jackson — Chicago Alderman and wife of former U.S. Representative Jesse Jackson Jr., she served time at Alderson for tax fraud related to her husband’s misuse of campaign funds.
• Barbara Byrd-Bennett — The former CEO of Chicago Public Schools reported to FPC Alderson in 2017 to serve a 4.5-year sentence for her role in a bribery scandal.
• Diane Hathaway — A Michigan Supreme Court Justice who pleaded guilty to federal mortgage fraud and served her sentence at Alderson beginning in 2013.

The “Camp Cupcake” Nickname

The nickname “Camp Cupcake” was coined by the media during Martha Stewart’s incarceration in 2004. Despite the lighthearted name, FPC Alderson is a real federal prison. Inmates are incarcerated, subject to strict rules, and face disciplinary consequences — including transfer to higher-security facilities — for violations. The nickname has persisted because it captures the relative comfort of the facility compared to medium- and high-security prisons, but it can be misleading. Anyone serving time at FPC Alderson is still separated from their family, subject to BOP authority, and living under institutional rules 24 hours a day.

Publications including Forbes, CNBC, and Insider Monkey have repeatedly named FPC Alderson one of the “cushiest” or “best” federal prisons in the United States. While these rankings reflect the relatively comfortable conditions at the facility, they can create unrealistic expectations. It is still a federal prison, and proper preparation before self-surrender is critical.

Daily Life at FPC Alderson

Life at FPC Alderson follows the structured routine that governs all federal prison camps, but the facility’s unique setting and history give it a character distinct from most other BOP institutions. Here is what daily life looks like for the approximately 517 women housed there.

Daily Schedule

The BOP conducts a minimum of five official counts per day at all facilities, including overnight counts at midnight and 4:00 AM while inmates are in their bunks. The 4:00 PM standing count is the most significant — all inmates must be physically present at their assigned bunk, standing, and accounted for. Missing a count is one of the most serious disciplinary infractions an inmate can commit.

Housing

FPC Alderson has a total of eight housing units. Inmates are housed in dormitory-style settings divided into two-person cubicles with bunk beds. The original cottage-style architecture gives the housing units a different feel from the large, warehouse-style dormitories common at many other federal camps. Each housing unit operates somewhat independently, with its own common areas and assigned schedules for commissary shopping and other activities.

Upon arrival, new inmates are assigned to a housing unit and bunk by their unit team. Requests for specific housing or bunk changes can be made through the unit counselor, but there is no guarantee they will be honored. Keeping your living area clean and orderly is mandatory — housing inspections are conducted regularly, and violations result in incident reports.

Meals and Commissary

Three meals per day are served in the institutional chow hall. The food is institutional cafeteria fare — adequate but not what anyone would call gourmet. Common complaints at all federal facilities center on the quality and monotony of the food. Religious and medical dietary accommodations are available upon request through the chaplain’s office or health services.

The commissary supplements the institutional diet. Each inmate is issued a Trust Fund account, and commissary spending is capped at $360 per month. Inmates shop once per week on their housing unit’s designated shopping day. Available items include food (snacks, instant meals, drink mixes, sodas), clothing, personal hygiene products, over-the-counter medications, stamps, and other approved items. An Inmate Identification Card is required for all commissary purchases. [3]

Work Assignments

Every able-bodied inmate at FPC Alderson is required to work. Work assignments are coordinated through the inmate’s unit team and typically run from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Available work assignments at Alderson include:

• UNICOR (Federal Prison Industries) — FPC Alderson houses UNICOR factories that provide data services, warehousing, distribution and fulfillment, help desk assistance, and custom printing. UNICOR positions pay higher wages ($0.23 to $1.15 per hour) than standard work details and are considered desirable assignments.
• Food service — kitchen and dining hall support
• Facilities maintenance — grounds keeping, painting, plumbing, electrical, general upkeep of the campus
• Orderly positions — cleaning housing units, common areas, and administrative buildings
• Administrative support — office work, education department, chapel, recreation department
• Paws4People service dog program — one of the most unique work assignments at Alderson. FPC Alderson is one of six federal and state prisons participating in the Paws4People service dog training program, which provides college-level instruction in raising and training service dogs for disabled veterans, active-duty military, and adolescents with developmental challenges. This program doubles as a re-entry program for participating inmates. [2]

Standard BOP inmate pay for non-UNICOR positions ranges from $5.25 to $24.00 per month depending on the assignment grade. All earnings are deposited into the inmate’s commissary account.

Communication

Maintaining contact with family and loved ones is critical for both the inmate and the people they leave behind. FPC Alderson provides several communication channels:

• TRULINCS email — the BOP’s electronic messaging system allows inmates to send and receive text-based messages (no attachments or images) at $0.05 per minute. All messages are monitored by BOP staff.
• Phone — inmates receive 300 minutes of phone time per month (500 minutes in November and December). All calls must be placed to pre-approved numbers on the inmate’s phone list. Calls are recorded and monitored.
• Video visits — limited availability, typically 30-minute scheduled sessions.
• U.S. Mail — incoming and outgoing mail is inspected by staff. All mail must be addressed to the inmate by their committed name and register number.

Recreation

FPC Alderson offers a wide range of recreational activities, reflecting its relatively generous facility space. Available recreation includes:

• Aerobics, step aerobics, Pilates, and spinning classes
• Basketball, softball, and volleyball (indoor and outdoor)
• Roller skating, jogging, and brisk walking
• Bocce ball, billiards, ping pong, and table games
• Arts and crafts classes
• Talent shows, bingo, and game shows
• A yarn project where inmates crochet hats, scarves, mittens, sweaters, and lap afghans for donation to local children’s organizations and women’s resource centers

Inmates may also participate in organized tournaments, with winners receiving various prizes. The campus setting with its green spaces and river views provides a recreational environment that is markedly different from the enclosed yards at higher-security facilities.

Programs and Services at FPC Alderson

FPC Alderson offers a comprehensive array of programming. For women facing a federal sentence, understanding what programs are available — and how those programs can reduce time in custody — is one of the most important parts of preparation.

Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP)

Key benefit: Successful completion of RDAP at FPC Alderson can earn a sentence reduction of up to 12 months under 18 U.S.C. § 3621(e). For women with qualifying substance abuse histories, this is one of the most significant sentence-reduction opportunities in the federal system.

FPC Alderson is one of the few standalone women’s federal prison camps that offers the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP). [4] RDAP is the BOP’s most intensive substance abuse treatment program and the only federal program that provides a statutory sentence reduction upon completion. Here is how it works:

• Duration: RDAP is a 500-hour, 9-to-12-month residential program. Participants live in a separate housing unit (or designated section) with other RDAP participants, creating a therapeutic community environment distinct from the general population.
• Structure: The program combines individual therapy, group therapy, cognitive behavioral treatment, and skill-building exercises. It runs in half-day blocks — participants attend RDAP programming for half the day and work or attend other programs during the other half.
• Three phases: (1) The residential phase (approximately 9 months of intensive programming within the institution), (2) the institution transition phase (follow-up programming at the institution), and (3) the community transition phase (continued treatment during the halfway house or home confinement phase of the sentence).
• Eligibility requirements: To qualify for RDAP, an inmate must have a verifiable substance use disorder as documented in the Pre-Sentence Report (PSR), prior treatment records, or medical history. The inmate must also have sufficient time remaining on her sentence to complete the full program — the BOP generally looks for at least 24 to 30 months remaining at the time RDAP programming would begin. Certain offenses, including certain violent offenses and some firearms offenses, disqualify inmates from the early release benefit even if they complete the program. [5]
• Sentence reduction: Under 18 U.S.C. § 3621(e), inmates who successfully complete RDAP may receive a sentence reduction of up to 12 months. This is in addition to good conduct time and any First Step Act earned time credits. The actual amount of the reduction is determined by the BOP based on the inmate’s offense of conviction.

In addition to RDAP, FPC Alderson offers several other substance abuse programs:

• Drug Education Class — a shorter educational program about substance abuse
• Non-Residential Drug Abuse Program (NR-DAP) — outpatient-style group therapy without the residential component
• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
• Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
• Gamblers Anonymous (GA)

Psychology Services and Women-Specific Programs

FPC Alderson provides a range of psychology services tailored to the needs of its female population. Individual counseling, group counseling, and intake psychological evaluations are available to all inmates.

One of the facility’s most significant programs is the Resolve Program, which offers workshops and processing groups specifically for survivors of physical and sexual abuse. Given that a disproportionate number of incarcerated women have histories of trauma, this program addresses a critical need that many facilities do not adequately serve. [6]

Additional psychology programs and groups available at FPC Alderson include:

• Individual crisis counseling
• Anger management
• Domestic violence awareness
• Psychology of Achievement
• Positive Mental Attitude
• Problem-solving skills
• Stress relief and progressive meditation
• Self-image and self-relaxation
• Pre-Release Syndrome (addressing anxiety and adjustment issues before release)

First Step Act Programming and Earned Time Credits

The First Step Act of 2018 created a system of Evidence-Based Recidivism Reduction (EBRR) programs and Productive Activities (PAs) that allow eligible inmates to earn time credits toward early transfer to a halfway house or home confinement. Inmates classified as “minimum” or “low” risk on the BOP’s PATTERN risk assessment tool can earn 15 days of credit for every 30 days of successful programming participation. These credits accrue over time and can result in significantly earlier release from BOP custody. [7]

First Step Act programming available at FPC Alderson includes cognitive behavioral therapy programs (such as Thinking for a Change and Moral Reconation Therapy), employment readiness training, financial literacy, parenting education, anger management, and victim impact awareness.

Education and Vocational Training

FPC Alderson offers a comprehensive education program:

• GED preparation — mandatory for inmates without a high school diploma or equivalent
• English as a Second Language (ESL)
• High school diploma and career certificate programs
• College degree programs — available through paid correspondence programs

Advanced occupational education is available in several areas, including:

• Cosmetology
• Customer Service Representative
• Horticulture
• Library Clerk
• Medical Office Clerk
• Receptionist

The facility also offers apprenticeship programs in air conditioning and refrigeration, cooking, electrician work, plumbing, powerhouse operations, teacher’s assistant roles, and welding. These hands-on trade programs provide valuable skills for reentry and are counted as Productive Activities under the First Step Act.

Health Services

FPC Alderson provides Medical Care Level 2 and Mental Health Care Level 2 services. All new inmates receive an intake medical screening, including TB testing. Each inmate is assigned a medical provider and support staff based on her register number. Available health services include:

• Clinical appointments and call-outs
• Emergency medical services
• Dental examinations and treatment
• Eyeglasses and contact lenses
• Annual physical examinations
• Prescription medications (insulin line during breakfast and dinner; pill line at 7:00–7:30 AM and 2:00–2:30 PM)

For medical conditions that exceed the facility’s Level 2 capabilities, inmates may be transferred to an outside hospital or to a Federal Medical Center. If you or your loved one has ongoing medical needs, this is a factor that should be addressed in the designation process — not all facilities can accommodate the same conditions.

Who Gets Designated to FPC Alderson

Not every woman sentenced to federal prison will be designated to FPC Alderson. The Bureau of Prisons assigns all inmates to their facilities through the Designation and Sentence Computation Center (DSCC) in Grand Prairie, Texas. The DSCC uses a classification system based on security points, program needs, medical needs, judicial recommendations, bed availability, and proximity to the inmate’s release residence.

The Security Point System for Women

The BOP uses a security point system outlined in Program Statement 5100.08 (Inmate Security Designation and Custody Classification) to determine each inmate’s security level. The system calculates a “Base Score” based on factors including:

• Severity of the current offense
• Expected length of incarceration
• Type of prior commitments
• History of violence
• History of escapes or escape attempts
• Detainers (immigration holds, pending charges, or other legal matters)
• Age

Important distinction for women: The BOP classifies female security level institutions differently from male institutions. Female facilities are categorized as Minimum, Low, High, and Administrative — there is no “Medium” designation for women’s facilities. This means the classification thresholds and available facilities differ from the male system. A woman’s Base Score translates to security levels differently than a man’s score would. [8]

To be eligible for minimum-security designation at FPC Alderson, a woman must generally:

• Score in the minimum-security range on the BOP’s classification system
• Have no history of violence
• Have no detainers (immigration holds or pending charges)
• Have no history of escape or escape attempts
• Typically have fewer than 10 years remaining on her sentence
• Not be a sex offender (BOP policy precludes sex offender placement at camps)

Typical Inmate Profiles

The women designated to FPC Alderson are typically serving sentences for non-violent federal offenses. Common offense categories include:

• White-collar crimes — wire fraud, bank fraud, mail fraud, tax fraud, embezzlement, money laundering
• Drug offenses — non-violent drug conspiracy charges, typically with sentences under 10 years
• Public corruption — bribery, honest services fraud
• Identity theft and financial fraud
• Immigration offenses — depending on the nature and whether detainers are involved

The facility does not house pre-trial detainees, holdover inmates, or women in transit between facilities. Women in those categories are transferred to local jails until redesignated. [3]

Key Designation Factors

Beyond security points, the DSCC considers several additional factors when deciding whether to designate a woman to FPC Alderson specifically:

• RDAP eligibility — if the inmate qualifies for RDAP and Alderson has openings, this can be a strong designation factor
• Proximity to family — the BOP attempts to place inmates within 500 driving miles of their release residence when possible, though this is not always achieved for women because there are far fewer women’s facilities than men’s facilities
• Medical needs — the inmate’s medical needs must be within the facility’s Level 2 care capabilities
• Bed availability — simple capacity constraints influence designation decisions
• Judicial recommendation — while not binding, a sentencing judge’s recommendation for a specific facility carries weight with the DSCC

Because the federal system has significantly fewer facilities for women than for men, women often face longer distances from home and fewer facility options than their male counterparts. This makes designation advocacy even more important for women, as the specific facility can meaningfully affect access to programs, visiting logistics for families, and overall quality of the incarceration experience.

Visiting FPC Alderson

The Bureau of Prisons recognizes that visiting is an integral part of an inmate’s institutional program. FPC Alderson encourages visiting and provides a visiting room that includes a main visiting area, a supplemental visiting area, and a Children’s Center where inmates can spend time with their children in a child-friendly environment. [3]

Visiting Hours

Visitors may arrive 15 minutes before visiting begins but must remain in their vehicles until the visiting room opens. There is a 10:00 AM count on Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays — visitor processing continues during count but may be briefly paused while visiting room officers conduct the count.

Visiting Rules and Procedures

• Approved visitors only. All visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visiting list before attempting to visit. Immediate family members identified in the Pre-Sentence Report are usually approved automatically. Friends, associates, and other relatives must complete a Visitor Information Form (BP-A0629) and pass a background check. Each inmate may have up to six friends or associates on her visiting list.
• Maximum visitors. A maximum of four adult visitors (not including children) may visit at one time. Exceptions can be requested through the Unit Manager.
• Identification required. All visitors must present a valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or state ID). Visitors without photo identification will be turned away.
• Physical contact. Inmates may embrace and kiss visitors at the beginning and end of the visit. Inmates and visitors may hold hands during the visit. Other physical contact — sitting on laps, arms over shoulders — is not permitted.
• Dress code. Visitors must dress modestly. Prohibited clothing includes miniskirts, halter tops, tube tops, tank tops, see-through clothing, and clothing that resembles the inmate khaki uniform. Female visitors must wear a bra. Shorts must reach the top of the knee. No open-toed shoes are permitted. Visitors who do not meet the dress code will be refused entry.
• Children. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. The Children’s Center provides a child-friendly area where inmates can interact with their children. Inmates and visitors are responsible for their children’s behavior at all times.
• Vending machines. Vending machines are available in the visiting room. Inmates are never permitted to handle money — visitors purchase items from the machines and share with the inmate.
• No outside items. Visitors may bring only a clear plastic purse/bag (not exceeding 12″ x 12″), baby care items for infants, and life-saving prescription medications. Cell phones, tobacco products, food, electronics, and all other items must be locked in the visitor’s vehicle. [3]

Travel Tips for Visitors

FPC Alderson is in a remote, rural location in southeastern West Virginia. Getting there requires planning, especially for families traveling from other parts of the country.

Nearest airports:

• Greenbrier Valley Airport (LWB) in Lewisburg, WV — approximately 20 miles from FPC Alderson. This is the closest airport but has limited commercial service.
• Raleigh County Memorial Airport (BKW) in Beaver, WV — approximately 60 miles from Alderson.
• Yeager Airport (CRW) in Charleston, WV — the largest commercial airport in the state, approximately 120 miles northwest.
• Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) in Roanoke, VA — approximately 100 miles east, with more flight options.

Driving directions: From I-64, exit at Alta (Exit 161) and proceed south on Route 12 to Alderson, approximately 12 miles. Visitor parking is in the designated lot adjacent to the institution. Persons not approved to visit may not wait in the parking lot — they must leave institution grounds and return to pick up visitors when the visit concludes. [3]

Train service: Amtrak provides service directly to the town of Alderson, WV, making it one of the few federal prisons accessible by train.

Accommodations: Limited hotel and motel options are available in Alderson and the surrounding area. More options are available in Lewisburg, WV (approximately 20 miles). The Alderson Hospitality House, a private home that assists visitors of FPC Alderson inmates, operates on a donation basis and accepts reservations by phone at (304) 445-2980 up to one year in advance. Due to the remote location, visitors should book accommodations well ahead of their planned visit.

For families: The remoteness of FPC Alderson is one of the most significant challenges for families. Many women designated to Alderson have families in urban areas far from rural West Virginia. Travel costs — flights, rental cars, hotels — add up quickly. This is a factor we help families anticipate and plan for during the pre-surrender preparation process. We also help families understand the visiting rules, the dress code, what to bring and what to leave behind, and how to make the most of each visit.

How Federal Case Consulting Helps

At Federal Case Consulting, we have been through the federal system ourselves. We built this practice because we saw firsthand how many people — and their families — enter the federal prison process completely unprepared. The difference between going in blind and going in prepared can mean years off your sentence, a better facility designation, and a fundamentally different experience for everyone involved.

For women facing a sentence that could result in designation to FPC Alderson or another federal women’s facility, we help at every stage:

• Designation advocacy. We analyze your security points using the BOP’s classification system (PS 5100.08) and identify the facilities you are likely to qualify for. We then research those facilities in detail — program offerings, medical capabilities, proximity to your family, visiting logistics, and institutional reputation — and help you and your attorney prepare a comprehensive designation request to the DSCC. For women, where there are far fewer facility options than for men, getting the designation right the first time is especially important.
• Pre-Sentence Report (PSR) review. The PSR is the most important document in your federal case after the indictment itself. It drives everything from your sentencing guidelines range to your security classification to your RDAP eligibility. We review the draft PSR for factual errors, unfavorable characterizations, and missed opportunities — such as ensuring that a substance abuse history is properly documented to support RDAP eligibility.
• RDAP strategy. If you may qualify for RDAP, we evaluate your eligibility based on the BOP’s criteria and help ensure your documentation supports it. The up to 12 months of sentence reduction available through RDAP is too significant to leave undocumented or unprepared. We factor RDAP availability into your designation strategy and help you understand the program timeline.
• Self-surrender preparation. For clients granted voluntary surrender, we provide detailed preparation for the self-surrender process — what to bring, what to expect during intake, how the first 24 hours unfold, how to navigate initial classification, and the unwritten rules of institutional life that no handbook will tell you.
• Family preparation. We help families prepare for the visiting process, commissary deposits, communication logistics (TRULINCS, phone lists), and the emotional reality of the situation. For families facing visits to a remote facility like FPC Alderson, we provide practical guidance on travel, lodging, and how to maintain strong connections despite the distance.
• First Step Act and time credit planning. We help clients map out their projected timeline, factoring in good conduct time, RDAP sentence reduction, First Step Act earned time credits, and anticipated halfway house placement. Understanding your earliest possible release date — and the steps required to achieve it — gives you a concrete plan from day one.

Frequently Asked Questions About FPC Alderson

What is FPC Alderson and what security level is it?

FPC Alderson (Federal Prison Camp, Alderson) is a minimum-security federal prison for women located in Alderson, West Virginia. It is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and falls within the BOP’s Mid-Atlantic Region. As a minimum-security camp, it has no perimeter fencing, no armed guards, and inmates are housed in dormitory-style units. The facility has been in operation since 1927 and is the first federal prison built exclusively for women in the United States. It currently houses approximately 517 female inmates.

Why is FPC Alderson called “Camp Cupcake”?

The nickname “Camp Cupcake” was given to FPC Alderson by the media in 2004 when Martha Stewart began serving her five-month sentence there for obstruction of justice. The name references the facility’s relatively comfortable conditions compared to higher-security federal prisons. While the nickname has stuck, FPC Alderson is still a federal prison where inmates are incarcerated, must follow strict institutional rules, and face disciplinary consequences for violations. Several publications have named it one of the “nicest” or “cushiest” federal prisons in the country.

Does FPC Alderson offer RDAP?

Yes. FPC Alderson offers the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP), a 500-hour, 9-to-12-month residential treatment program for inmates with documented substance use disorders. Successful completion of RDAP can earn a sentence reduction of up to 12 months under 18 U.S.C. § 3621(e). To qualify, an inmate must have a verifiable substance abuse history (typically documented in the PSR or treatment records) and have at least 24 to 30 months remaining on her sentence. RDAP eligibility should be a central factor in any designation strategy. [4]

What are the visiting hours at FPC Alderson?

Visiting hours at FPC Alderson are: Saturday, Sunday, and Monday from 8:15 AM to 3:15 PM, and Friday from 11:15 AM to 6:15 PM. Federal holidays follow the 8:15 AM to 3:15 PM schedule. All visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visiting list and present a valid government-issued photo ID. A maximum of four adult visitors (not including children) may visit at one time. The visiting room includes a Children’s Center for inmates to spend time with their children.

How do I get to FPC Alderson? What airports are nearby?

FPC Alderson is in a rural area of southeastern West Virginia. The nearest airport is Greenbrier Valley Airport (LWB) in Lewisburg, WV, approximately 20 miles away, though it has limited service. Larger airports include Yeager Airport (CRW) in Charleston, WV (120 miles) and Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) in Virginia (100 miles). By car, take I-64 to Exit 161 (Alta) and drive south on Route 12 approximately 12 miles to Alderson. Amtrak also services the town of Alderson directly. The Alderson Hospitality House offers affordable lodging for visitors on a donation basis — call (304) 445-2980 for reservations.

What types of inmates are housed at FPC Alderson?

FPC Alderson houses women classified as minimum security by the BOP. Typical inmates include women serving sentences for non-violent federal offenses such as white-collar crimes (fraud, embezzlement, tax evasion), non-violent drug conspiracy charges, public corruption, and identity theft. To be designated to a camp, an inmate must have no history of violence, no detainers, no escape history, and must score in the minimum-security range on the BOP’s classification point system. Sex offenders are not designated to camps under BOP policy.

Can I request designation to FPC Alderson specifically?

Yes. Through your attorney, you can submit a designation request to the BOP’s Designation and Sentence Computation Center (DSCC) in Grand Prairie, Texas, asking for placement at FPC Alderson. Your sentencing judge can also make a judicial recommendation, which carries weight but is not binding on the BOP. The strongest requests address the BOP’s own criteria: security classification, program needs (especially RDAP), medical needs, and family ties. Simply requesting a “nice” facility without connecting the request to BOP criteria is unlikely to succeed. At Federal Case Consulting, we help clients build comprehensive designation requests grounded in the factors the DSCC actually considers.

Related Pages

• Federal Prisons — Complete Guide to the BOP System
• Federal Minimum Security Prisons (Camps)
• Federal Low Security Prisons (FCIs)
• Federal Administrative Security Facilities
• Federal Halfway Houses (Residential Reentry Centers)
• Federal Crimes — Offense Guides
• Preparing for Federal Prison
• Post-Conviction Services
• Family Support Services

Sources:

[1] HISTORY.com Editors, The first federal prison for women opens in West Virginia (Nov. 24, 1928). history.com

[2] Federal Bureau of Prisons, FPC Alderson. bop.gov

[3] Federal Bureau of Prisons, FPC Alderson Visiting Regulations (Institution Supplement ALD 5267.09E, Aug. 23, 2022). bop.gov

[4] U.S. Sentencing Commission, RDAP Locations. ussc.gov

[5] 18 U.S.C. § 3621(e), Substance Abuse Treatment (RDAP sentence reduction authority). law.cornell.edu

[6] Federal Bureau of Prisons, Female Offender Manual (Program Statement 5200.07B). bop.gov

[7] First Step Act of 2018, Pub. L. 115-391, 132 Stat. 5194. congress.gov

[8] Federal Bureau of Prisons, Program Statement 5100.08: Inmate Security Designation and Custody Classification. bop.gov

Disclaimer: Federal Case Consulting does not act as your legal representation and cannot guarantee any outcomes. The information on this page is for educational purposes and should not be construed as legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney regarding your specific legal situation. BOP policies, facility conditions, and programming availability are subject to change without notice. The statistics and facility details referenced on this page reflect the most current publicly available information as of the date indicated and may not reflect current conditions at any individual facility.