FCI Herlong (minimum-security camp)
The minimum-security satellite camp at FCI Herlong is a federal prison camp located adjacent to the main Federal Correctional Institution in Herlong, California. Operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, the camp houses male inmates who meet minimum-security classification criteria and are typically within a few years of completing their sentences. As with all federal prison camps, FCI Herlong Camp maintains a dormitory-style housing arrangement rather than traditional cells, and the facility operates without a perimeter fence or armed guard towers.
Facility Overview
FCI Herlong Camp is situated in the remote high desert region of northeastern California, approximately 65 miles northwest of Reno, Nevada. The camp functions as a satellite facility to the adjacent medium-security Federal Correctional Institution Herlong, sharing certain administrative and support services with the main institution while maintaining separate housing and programming for its minimum-security population. Inmates at the camp typically work in facility maintenance, grounds keeping, food service, or other institutional support positions that keep the broader complex operational.
The camp's small population, which has fluctuated around 50-60 inmates in recent years, allows for a more structured and controlled environment compared to larger federal prison camps. Inmates assigned to FCI Herlong Camp are generally serving sentences for non-violent offenses and have demonstrated sufficient institutional adjustment to qualify for minimum-security classification under Bureau of Prisons guidelines.
Programs and Services
The camp participates in the Federal Bureau of Prisons Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP), a comprehensive drug treatment program that can provide eligible participants with up to one year of sentence reduction upon successful completion. RDAP is an intensive 500-hour program delivered over nine to twelve months that addresses the cognitive and behavioral aspects of substance abuse through group therapy, individual counseling, and skill-building workshops.
Beyond RDAP, inmates at the camp have access to educational programming including adult continuing education, English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, and the opportunity to obtain a GED certificate for those who have not completed high school. The Bureau of Prisons also provides occupational training opportunities, though the specific vocational programs available at the camp may vary based on staffing and facility resources. Religious services, recreation programs, and the general email system (TRULINCS) are available to support inmates' personal development and family connections during their incarceration.
Notes from Alumni
Former inmates who have served time at FCI Herlong Camp can provide valuable insights into daily life, programs, and practical advice for incoming inmates and their families. Contributions about work assignments, the impact of the remote location on visitation, experiences with staff, climate considerations for the high desert environment, and tips for successful adjustment to camp life are particularly helpful for those preparing for designation to the facility.
Please remember that experiences are unique and may not reflect today's experience. If you would like to contribute information about your time at FCI Herlong Camp, please select Edit at the top of this page.
Location & Visitation
Location
Physical location: HERLONG, CA 96113
Mailing address: 741-925 ACCESS ROAD A-25, HERLONG, CA 96113
The facility's remote location in Lassen County presents logistical challenges for visitors. The nearest major airport is Reno-Tahoe International Airport in Nevada, approximately 80 miles from the facility. Visitors typically rent vehicles and drive to the institution, as public transportation options to Herlong are extremely limited. The small community of Herlong has minimal lodging and dining options, so visitors planning overnight stays often arrange accommodations in Susanville (approximately 35 miles west) or make the drive from Reno.
Visitation
Visiting hours at FCI Herlong Camp typically occur on weekends and federal holidays, though specific schedules are subject to change based on institutional needs and security concerns. All visitors must be approved in advance through the Bureau of Prisons visitor application process, which includes a background check and can take several weeks to complete. Prospective visitors should submit their applications well before planning their first visit to the facility.
Contact visits are permitted at the camp, allowing brief embraces and hand-holding at the beginning and end of the visit. All visits take place in a supervised visiting room, and inmates and visitors must remain in clear view of staff at all times. Visitors must adhere to strict dress code requirements that prohibit revealing clothing, items that resemble inmate uniforms, and certain colors or styles that could present security concerns. Photography and cell phones are not permitted in the visiting room, and all items brought into the facility are subject to search.
There are many specific rules and procedures to be aware of when you're considering visiting the institution. Read more on our Visitation Guide.
For full, current visiting rules and scheduling, always check the institution's official page on the Bureau of Prisons website: Official BOP Page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does FCI Herlong allow conjugal visits?
No. FCI Herlong does not allow conjugal visits. The Federal Bureau of Prisons does not permit conjugal visits at any facility regardless of security level. This includes all minimum-security federal prison camps, low-security FCIs, medium-security facilities, and high-security USPs. Only four state prison systems (California, Connecticut, New York, and Washington) allow conjugal visits for state prisoners. Federal inmates have no access to conjugal or extended family visits anywhere in the BOP system.
Q: What types of visitation are allowed at FCI Herlong?
FCI Herlong allows contact visits during designated visiting hours, typically on weekends and holidays. Contact visits permit brief embraces at the start and end of visits, but prolonged physical contact is not allowed. All visits occur in supervised visiting rooms. Visitors must be pre-approved through a background check process and must follow dress code requirements. For full details, see the Visiting Policies and Procedures page.
Q: What is the climate like at FCI Herlong?
FCI Herlong is located in the high desert of northeastern California at approximately 4,000 feet elevation. The climate features cold winters with frequent snow and temperatures often dropping below freezing, and hot, dry summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Inmates and visitors should be prepared for significant temperature variations between seasons and between day and night temperatures, particularly during spring and fall.
Q: How do inmates at the camp differ from those at the main FCI?
Inmates at the minimum-security camp have lower security classifications than those housed in the adjacent medium-security FCI Herlong. Camp inmates are typically non-violent offenders within a few years of release who have demonstrated good institutional conduct. The camp operates with dormitory-style housing and no perimeter fence, while the main FCI has cells and traditional security infrastructure. Camp inmates often work in support roles for the larger institution complex.