CloserVisit
MediumFederal Correctional Institution

FCI McDowell

Welch, West Virginia

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Visiting schedule

Typical hours from the facility's visiting regulations.

Verified from official documentDocument date: December 14, 2022

Main institution

  • Saturday8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Sunday8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • No visiting: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
Visiting on federal holidays Last entry / processing ends: 2:00 PM

Satellite camp

  • Saturday8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Sunday8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • No visiting: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
Visiting on federal holidays Last entry / processing ends: 2:00 PM

Rotation: Outside visiting is authorized at the Satellite Prison Camp (SPC).

Special Housing Unit (SHU)

  • Monday8:15 AM – 10:15 AM10:35 AM – 12:35 PM1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
  • No visiting: Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
No visiting on federal holidays

Rotation: By appointment only, scheduled through the SHU Lieutenant; max 2 visitors per one time block.

Max visitors at once

5

Appointment required

No

Video visiting

Yes

Visiting can be cancelled for lockdowns, weather or count problems. Call the facility the day before you travel.

Dress code

  • Tops must cover the stomach, chest/breasts, and back — no tank tops or see-through material
  • Skirts/shorts/dresses no shorter than 2 inches above the mid-knee (for anyone over age 10); no wrap-style clothing or slits above the knee
  • No spandex, leggings, leotards, or ripped pants unless covered by an appropriately long dress/skirt
  • No open-toe shoes, flip-flops, backless shoes, or shoes with rolling wheels
  • No sweatpants, sweatshorts, plain white T-shirts, or khaki/tan clothing (resembles inmate wear)
  • No hats, visors, head wraps, headbands, sunglasses, or hooded jackets (religious headwear excepted)
  • No watches of any kind, including smartwatches/fitness trackers

You may bring

  • Valid photo ID (driver's license, state ID, military ID, or passport)
  • Small clear plastic bag no larger than 8x12 in with up to $20 (no bill larger than $1) for vending
  • Essential medication (inhaler, nitroglycerin) kept at the Visiting Room Officer's station
  • Per infant: 2 diapers, 1 unopened wipes pack, 1 change of clothing, 2 clear bottles, 1 unopened formula, 2 unopened baby food jars, 1 receiving blanket, 1 clear cup, in a medium clear bag up to 12x16 in

Not allowed

  • Cameras or recording equipment without the Warden's written permission
  • Any food or beverages brought from outside
  • Cell phones, pagers, or other electronic devices (must stay in your vehicle)
  • Written messages exchanged during the visit
  • Books, magazines, or newspapers (must be mailed directly from the publisher instead)

Good to know

ID requirements
Valid driver's license, state ID, military ID, or passport required for all visitors. Club membership cards, check-cashing cards, school IDs, and Mexican Consulate ID cards are NOT accepted.
Children
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult family member; ages 16-17 without a parent/guardian/adult family member need written parental approval. In the play area, children 5 and under need direct parental supervision; 6 and up must stay under a parent's visual supervision nearby. Inmates may never supervise children.
Vending machines
Only visitors may purchase from vending machines; inmates cannot hold money or go into the vending area.
Money you may bring
Up to $20 total for vending machines, no denomination larger than a $1 bill
  • Do not arrive before the scheduled visiting period begins
  • Visitor processing pauses during institutional counts
  • Out-processing of inmates stops 30 minutes before visiting ends
  • Visiting room capacity is 298 at the FCI and 117 at the FPC (Camp)

Getting there

Closest airports

BKW

Beaver

Raleigh County Memorial Airport

1 hr 20 min drive · 54 mi

LWB

Lewisburg

Greenbrier Valley Airport

2 hr 3 min drive · 99 mi

CRW

Charleston

Yeager Airport

2 hr 17 min drive · 105 mi

GSO

Greensboro

Piedmont Triad International Airport

3 hr 48 min drive · 177 mi

Hotels near the facility

Ranked by drive time to the facility gate.

Directions
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