Ely State Prison

Ely State Prison is a maximum-security state prison for male inmates that is located just outside Ely, Nevada and operated by the Nevada Department of Corrections. This facility opened in July 1989 and is the designated maximum-security prison for the State of Nevada. 

Ely State Prison is located approximately nine miles north of Ely in White Pine County. The prison was built in two phases: Phase I was completed and opened in August 1989, and Phase II was completed in November 1990. The original design was for 1,054 inmates, but the capacity has subsequently been increased to 1,183 inmates, with 406 employee positions. 

The institution is considered a major employer in the region, and staff are significantly involved in community activities. Staff are proud of having a safe, secure, and sanitary institution and strive every day to complete the following mission of the Nevada Department of Corrections: 

“NDOC will improve public safety by ensuring a safe and humane environment that incorporates proven rehabilitation initiatives that prepare individuals for successful reintegration into Nevada communities.”

The state's death row for men and the execution chamber is located at Ely State Prison.

Prison Insights

Visiting Hours and Rules

Visiting hours at the Ely State Prison are as follows: 

ALL INMATE VISITORS MUST BEGIN AN ORDERLY DEPARTURE AT 2:45 p.m. AND 8:30 p.m.

Processing begins at 8:00 A.M. and ends at 2:30 P.M. Processing will pause at 10:00 A.M. for institutional count and resume after count clears.

• All visitors must sign in, have their hand stamped, and be cleared through the metal detector.
• All visitors and their vehicles are subject to search.
• Visiting hours are from 8:30 A.M. until 2:45 P.M. for maximum and close custody inmates.
• Visiting hours are from 4:30 P.M. until 8:45 P.M. for minimum custody inmates on Saturday and Sunday.
• Inmates housed in the infirmary may be scheduled any day of the week but will visit behind glass.
• All visiting must confirm to Ely State Prison Visiting Rules and Regulations.

For any questions about visiting, please call (775) 289-8800, ext. 2217 and ask for Visiting.

Visitors are encouraged to call 24 hours in advance to make sure the inmate is still located at Ely State Prison and that their visiting days have not changed.

General Rules

You must get approval before visiting your inmate. You will be subject to search when you arrive at the facility, and you must present a photo ID before you are allowed to enter.

The dress code at Ely State Prison is conservative, and you must not wear blue clothing that is similar to what the inmates wear. You are not allowed to wear revealing or tight-fitting clothing, and mini-skirts and bare midriffs aren’t allowed.

You are allowed to bring $40 for use in the vending machines, one photo ID, and necessary life support medication. Everything else must be locked in your vehicle.

How to Call an Inmate

How to Send Money

The standard methods to send money to inmates at Ely State Prison are by a Lockbox Deposit Coupon (cashier's check or money order), online with a credit or debit card at the Access Corrections website, or by calling Access Corrections at 1-866-345-1884.

Coupons for mail-in lockbox deposits must be either printed or obtained from the inmate. The inmate is responsible for sending coupons to persons wishing to send the inmate money.

Due to increased counterfeit activity, funds from ALL money orders and cashier's checks received directly by NDOC will be available to the inmate fourteen calendar days from receipt.

Programs For Inmates

The programs offered at Ely State Prison offer vocational training, educational opportunities, and treatment services. These programs include:

Certificate Only Programs:

• Anger Management II: Continuing to Cage your rage
• Anxiety
• Feelings
• Criminal Thinking/Criminal Behavior
• Victim Awareness (Empathy)
• Starting Over
• Life Skills Series
• Nine to Five Beats Ten to Life
• TRY: Treatment Readiness for You
• The Con Game
• Values for Responsible Living
• Learning to live Without Violence
• The Adult Relapse Prevention Workbook
• Domestic Violence Awareness
• Domestic Violence Prevention

Merit Credit Programs:

• High School Diploma
• ServeSafe
• Commitment to Change I-III
• Financial Literacy

Pictures of Ely State Prison

Careers at Ely State Prison