How to Visit Caledonia Correctional (NC)
Visiting is easier when you know the facility's current name and what to expect at security. Here's what you need to avoid getting turned away at the door.
If you're searching for "Caledonia Correctional Institution," know that it now operates as Roanoke River Correctional Institution (formerly Caledonia Correctional Institution). Use the current name when looking up rules, confirming details, or asking for directions. Staff and official listings may not recognize "Caledonia" anymore.
This site does more than house inmates. It runs a cannery that processes crops grown on the prison farm, with that food distributed to prison kitchens across North Carolina. The farm itself covers about 5,500 acres. People incarcerated here may work on farm crews or in the cannery. That explains the sprawling property and why some areas are work zones, not visitor areas.
Note: North Carolina made pat/frisk searches mandatory for anyone entering most prisons (effective October 16, 2017) to reduce contraband. The Caledonia cannery was also temporarily suspended for safety, security, and accountability audits, then resumed after the security audit was completed.
Steps to Follow
- ✓ Use the current operating name, Roanoke River Correctional Institution, when you contact the prison or look up visitation details.
- ✓ Ask whether “Caledonia” is still used for any specific unit names, entrances, or internal references so you go to the right place.
- ✓ Plan for security screening at entry, including the possibility of a pat/frisk search, since this became mandatory for entry to most North Carolina prisons.
- ✓ Follow all posted entry instructions on arrival and expect staff to enforce screening rules meant to prevent contraband.
Because the facility includes active work areas, your visit may be affected by farm and cannery operations. The cannery processes crops grown on site, and the farm spans thousands of cultivated acres, so expect clearly separated zones. The cannery has been paused before for safety, security, and accountability audits, then restarted after the security audit was completed. If something similar is happening, it can change traffic flow, staffing, or restricted areas, even if regular visits continue.
- Confirm the facility name used for visitation - Ask for Roanoke River Correctional Institution by name, and confirm whether “Caledonia” is still used for any unit labels, entrances, or mail/visitor processing.
- Write down exactly what you’re told - Use the same name and unit wording when you show up, since mismatched names can slow check-in or send you to the wrong place.
- ✓ Confirm whether visitors are subject to a pat/frisk search at this facility and whether it is applied to everyone entering.
- ✓ Ask what screening looks like right now (for example, whether there are additional entry/exit checks in place) so you can arrive prepared and avoid delays.
North Carolina implemented statewide safety measures that included added situational-awareness training for correctional staff (with updates to the Basic Correctional Officer curriculum and in-service training). Even when you're doing everything right, expect a stricter, more alert check-in environment. If you haven't visited in a while, ask whether any procedures changed due to past safety and security efforts, including changes connected to audits or operational reviews. Getting that clarification ahead of time prevents surprises at the entrance.
- ✓ Confirm whether the cannery is currently operating normally, since it has been temporarily suspended in the past for safety, security, and accountability audits.
- ✓ Ask whether any parts of the property near the farm or cannery are restricted to visitors on the day you plan to come.
- ✓ If staff mention an audit, review, or temporary operational change, ask whether it affects visitor routing, parking, or where check-in happens.
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