FCI Lewisburg (minimum-security camp)
The Lewisburg Federal Prison Camp is a minimum-security facility for men, adjacent to the long-standing medium-security Federal Correctional Institution, Lewisburg. Often regarded as one of the more open and less restrictive environments in the federal system, the camp operates on a dormitory model with expansive outdoor space and close administrative ties to the main institution. Lewisburg is notable for its Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP) program, which offers qualified residents the opportunity to earn a sentence reduction through structured substance-use treatment.
Notes from Alumni
- Reddit user u/MyPrisonAccount served time at the camp in 2023, sharing in a thread about the experience.
- Jason Safford shared about his experience at Lewisburg between 2022 and 2023 during an interview on the Nightmare Success podcast.
- Matthew O'Callaghan published Letters From Lewisburg Federal Prison: A Day In My Life in late 2021 which included: "The physical structure of the building is brighter, less intimidating and quite inspirational in comparison to the prototypical prison environment. I would liken the building to a suburban grade school with large windows and low ceilings. The living quarters is a large room that houses many bunkbeds and lockers. The theory of this close living is to promote a tight knit community feel that will aid in behavioral recovery."
- Shan Sultan shared the following as part of a blog series about his life at Lewisburg between 2020 and 2022: "The facility is made up of 3 sections: the Camp Section, the RDAP Section and the Medium Security Prison. The Medium Security Prison looks like a gothic church surrounded by a 15-foot white wall encased in barbed wire. The Camp is to the left of the Prison, approximately 0.25 miles away. The Camp consists of two residential buildings, a gym and an administration building. The Camp reminds me of a state park with residential buildings. There are no fences and no cement. There is green grass, baseball fields, a running/walking track, basketball courts, bocci ball and handball ball courts. It’s very large and things are widespread. You never get the feeling of confinement in this camp. Dare I say... it looks beautiful. The camp also has a 6000-square-foot gym, with tons of free weights, machine weights and cardiovascular equipment. It looks like a Bally's gym from the early 2000s. I was told that it’s the best gym in the BOP."
- Craig Carton spoke about his experience on a podcast.
Please remember that experiences are unique and may not reflect today's experience.
Notable Alumni
| Name | Sentence | Offense | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Craig Carton[1] | 42 months | Securities and Wire Fraud | July 2019 - June 2021 |
History
The Federal Correctional Institution, Lewisburg, commonly known as Lewisburg Penitentiary, is a long-standing federal prison located in Union County, Pennsylvania. Established in 1932 as the Northeastern Penitentiary, it was among the earliest facilities constructed under the newly formed Federal Bureau of Prisons. The site was selected for its central location in the Northeast, rail access, and ample land suitable for agricultural use, which became an important part of early prison operations. Designed by architect Alfred Hopkins, the prison featured a distinctive and imposing architectural style, marked by large brick structures, arched details, and a fortress-like layout reflective of early-20th-century ideals about incarceration and security.
Throughout much of its history, Lewisburg housed a number of notable federal inmates and was regarded for decades as one of the system's higher-security institutions. Reports from the mid-20th century through the early 1980s described it as operating with maximum-security characteristics, including restrictive housing units and significant physical security measures. Over time, the institution's role evolved. In the modern era, it is officially designated as a medium-security federal correctional facility.
An important component of the Lewisburg complex is its minimum-security satellite camp, located just outside the main institution. Originating as a "farm camp" in the 1970s, the camp provided living quarters and work assignments for lower-risk individuals and was distinguished by its more open environment, lack of perimeter fencing, and reliance on inmate responsibility rather than extensive physical barriers. By 1976, the camp occupied a modern set of buildings adjacent to the penitentiary, including dormitory-style housing and recreational areas. Historical accounts noted its relatively small population and its use for inmates considered trustworthy enough to reside in an unfenced setting under minimal supervision.
Today, the Lewisburg satellite camp continues to operate as a minimum-security facility for male offenders. It features dormitory housing, recreational and athletic fields, and a layout that resembles a small campus more than a traditional prison. As with other federal prison camps, it is used for individuals with low security scores, shorter sentences, and histories that indicate suitability for a less restrictive environment. While administratively connected to the main institution, the camp operates with its own daily structure and culture, representing one of the least restrictive forms of federal custody within the Bureau of Prisons system.
Location & Visitation
Location
Physical location: LEWISBURG, PA 17837
Mailing address: 2400 ROBERT F. MILLER DRIVE, LEWISBURG, PA 17837
Visitation
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 Lewisburg allow conjugal visits?
No. FCI Lewisburg 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 Lewisburg?
FCI Lewisburg 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.
References
- ↑ "How Craig Carton went from ‘scared to death’ of prison to second WFAN chance". New York Post. Retrieved 2025-11-16.