The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (PADOC) manages a statewide system of institutions dedicated to the incarceration, rehabilitation, and safe management of adult offenders. Its facilities range in security levels from minimum to maximum and include specialized centers for young adults and women. Pennsylvania state prisons are distributed across the Commonwealth, each with distinct missions and capacities. This article provides a detailed, up-to-date listing of all Pennsylvania state prisons, including addresses, telephone numbers, descriptions, and visitor information, helping families, legal professionals, and the public access essential details.
Overview of Pennsylvania’s Prison System
Pennsylvania operates one of the largest and most complex prison systems in the U.S., with roughly 12,000 employees serving an incarcerated population of about 35,000 individuals. The Department of Corrections focuses on public safety balanced with rehabilitation and successful reentry. The system includes adult male and female prisons, young adult facilities, and community corrections centers.
Prisons are classified by security levels including minimum, medium, close, maximum, and supermax security. Some prisons specialize in mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and vocational programming. The state has recently pursued budget efficiencies and policy reforms, including facility consolidations and population reductions.
Pennsylvania State Prisons Listing
1. State Correctional Institution – Albion
Address: 10745 Highway 18, Albion, PA 16401
Phone: (814) 756-2221
Description: Medium and close-security prison primarily for adult males, offering vocational training and educational programs.
Visitor Info: Visits are scheduled by appointment; visitors must pass security checks.
Directions: Map & Directions
2. State Correctional Institution – Benner Township
Address: 301 Institution Drive, Bellefonte, PA 16823
Phone: (814) 355-2020
Description: Medium-security men’s prison with academic and vocational education programs.
Visitor Info: Prior visitor scheduling required, ID necessary.
Directions: Map & Directions
3. State Correctional Institution – Cambridge Springs
Address: 3502 Erie Pike, Cambridge Springs, PA 16403
Phone: (814) 398-2901
Description: Minimum-security women’s institution focusing on rehabilitation, including substance abuse treatment.
Visitor Info: Visits subject to regulations and appointments.
Directions: Map & Directions
4. State Correctional Institution – Camp Hill
Address: 2500 Lisburn Road, Camp Hill, PA 17011
Phone: (717) 975-3553
Description: Close-security facility functioning as a diagnostic and classification center with a historical legacy.
Visitor Info: Appointments required; photo ID and security protocols enforced.
Directions: Map & Directions
5. State Correctional Institution – Chester
Address: 500 East 4th Street, Chester, PA 19013
Phone: (610) 447-1000
Description: Medium and close-security men’s prison with programs including chemical dependency treatment.
Visitor Info: Visits by appointment only.
Directions: Map & Directions
6. State Correctional Institution – Coal Township
Address: 1 Kelley Street, Coal Township, PA 17866
Phone: (570) 648-4781
Description: Medium custody facility offering vocational and educational programming.
Visitor Info: Visitor appointments required.
Directions: Map & Directions
7. State Correctional Institution – Dallas
Address: 1000 Pike Street, Dallas, PA 18612
Phone: (570) 675-6771
Description: Medium-security prison providing education, treatment programs, and services for male inmates.
Visitor Info: Visits by scheduling; ID and screening mandatory.
Directions: Map & Directions
8. State Correctional Institution – Fayette
Address: 50 Overlook Drive, LaBelle, PA 15450
Phone: (724) 439-5201
Description: Maximum-security men’s prison focusing on high-risk offender management.
Visitor Info: Appointment required; security procedures strictly enforced.
Directions: Map & Directions
9. State Correctional Institution – Forest
Address: 286 Woodland Drive, Marienville, PA 16239
Phone: (814) 621-2110
Description: Maximum-security adult male offenders, also handling intake and classification in the Northern region.
Visitor Info: Visits scheduled with advance notice.
Directions: Map & Directions
10. State Correctional Institution – Frackville
Address: 2011 Division Street, Frackville, PA 17931
Phone: (570) 874-2256
Description: Maximum-security men’s prison with rehabilitative programming.
Visitor Info: Visits scheduled by appointment.
Directions: Map & Directions
11. State Correctional Institution – Huntingdon
Address: 1100 Pike Street, Huntingdon, PA 16652
Phone: (814) 643-3625
Description: Close-security men’s prison with specialized units for medical and psychological needs.
Visitor Info: Appointment and ID necessary for visits.
Directions: Map & Directions
12. State Correctional Institution – Laurel Highlands
Address: 5705 Route 31, Somerset, PA 15501
Phone: (814) 443-4710
Description: Minimum-security men’s prison with specialized programming for older and mentally challenged inmates.
Visitor Info: Family visitation encouraged with scheduling.
Directions: Map & Directions
13. State Correctional Institution – Mahanoy
Address: 1125 PA-54, Frackville, PA 17931
Phone: (570) 773-2151
Description: Medium-security men’s facility with educational and treatment programs.
Visitor Info: Visits require prior registration.
Directions: Map & Directions
14. State Correctional Institution – Muncy
Address: 2001 PA-405, Muncy, PA 17756
Phone: (570) 546-3131
Description: Close-security women’s prison, including diagnostic and classification services.
Visitor Info: Scheduling and ID required.
Directions: Map & Directions
15. State Correctional Institution – Phoenix
Address: 1200 Pike Springs Road, Collegeville, PA 19426
Phone: (610) 489-3773
Description: Maximum-security men’s prison replacing SCI Graterford, featuring modern security systems.
Visitor Info: Visitors must schedule in advance and comply with strict protocols.
Directions: Map & Directions
16. State Correctional Institution – Pittsburgh
Address: 300 Halket Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15233
Phone: (412) 322-1100
Description: Close and medium-security men’s prison with approx. 1,200 population.
Visitor Info: Visits by appointment and subject to security ordinances.
Directions: Map & Directions
17. State Correctional Institution – Rockview
Address: 202 Fish Hatchery Road, Bellefonte, PA 16823
Phone: (814) 355-4381
Description: Medium-security prison and one of the oldest in operation; facility consolidation plans ongoing.
Visitor Info: Visits must be scheduled in advance.
Directions: Map & Directions
18. State Correctional Institution – Smithfield
Address: 4120 Route 26, Huntingdon, PA 16652
Phone: (814) 643-3535
Description: Close-security men’s facility providing housing and rehabilitation.
Visitor Info: Scheduled visits required.
Directions: Map & Directions
19. State Correctional Institution – Somerset
Address: 1691 Stoystown Road, Somerset, PA 15501
Phone: (814) 445-7341
Description: Medium-security men’s prison with education and treatment options.
Visitor Info: Visits arranged by prior appointment.
Directions: Map & Directions
20. State Correctional Institution – Waymart
Address: 420 State Hospital Drive, Waymart, PA 18472
Phone: (570) 488-9581
Description: Minimum-security men’s prison focussing on inmates with mental health needs.
Visitor Info: Visits require pre-scheduling and compliance with mental health protocols.
Directions: Map & Directions
21. State Correctional Institution – Greene
Address: 175 Progress Drive, Waynesburg, PA 15370
Phone: (724) 852-2861
Description: Specialized high-security and supermax housing for capital cases and other restricted inmates.
Visitor Info: Strict visitation rules; appointments absolutely required.
Directions: Map & Directions
Visitor Information General Guidelines
- Visitors to Pennsylvania state prisons must present valid, government-issued photo identification.
- Visits typically require prior scheduling through the facility’s main office or online portals.
- All visitors are subject to security screenings including search of persons and belongings.
- Visitation hours vary by institution and security level, generally scheduled on weekends and some weekdays.
- Specific rules regarding dress code, prohibited items, and behavior must be observed to maintain visitation privileges.
- Contact each institution directly or visit the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections website for the latest visitation hours and guidelines.
Conclusion
The Pennsylvania state prison system operates a wide network of correctional facilities serving diverse inmate populations with varying security and rehabilitative needs. These institutions play a crucial role in public safety, offender rehabilitation, and preparing incarcerated individuals for reintegration into society. This comprehensive listing presents essential contact details, descriptions, and visitor information for all major state prisons, providing clarity and access to the public.
For recent updates on policy, closures, and reform efforts affecting the system, the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections maintains ongoing public communications and resources for families and legal representatives.
Planning visits ahead, understanding each prison’s focus, and adhering to security guidelines will help ensure a smooth and respectful experience for inmates, visitors, and staff alike.
For additional information and up-to-date resources, visit: