Pelican Bay State Prison
Find messaging, video, and phone options for Pelican Bay State Prison. Compare providers and discover what communication services are available. Free, no account required.
- Facility Type
- State Facility
- Security Level
- Maximum / SHU
- Inmate Capacity
- 3,000 approx.
- Established
- 1989
- Operated By
- California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR)
Pelican Bay State Prison Inmate Communication Overview
Pelican Bay State Prison is a maximum-security facility located in Del Norte County in the far northern corner of California, near the Oregon border. Opened in 1989, it was designed specifically to house California's most serious and gang-affiliated offenders. The facility is perhaps best known for its Security Housing Unit, or SHU — a restrictive housing program where inmates are held in near-complete isolation for extended periods. Following legal settlements and California CDCR policy changes in the mid-2010s, the SHU program has been significantly reformed, but Pelican Bay remains one of the state's most restrictive facilities in terms of programs, privileges, and communication access.
Communication options at Pelican Bay are available but more limited than at general-population California state prisons. JPay is the primary platform for electronic messaging and money transfers, as it is across the CDCR system. Families can send messages and photos through JPay using the inmate's CDCR number. Phone calls are managed by GTL and are available for most general-population inmates, though those in more restrictive housing assignments may have reduced or restricted phone access depending on their current status and programming level. Families should confirm the inmate's current housing assignment and program status, as this directly affects what communication is permitted.
Video visitation at Pelican Bay is available for some inmates but can be subject to restrictions based on housing status. Remote video visits through GTL are the standard approach, but families should verify eligibility before booking. Because the facility is so remote — it is more than 350 miles from San Francisco and more than 400 miles from Los Angeles — in-person visits are logistically difficult for many families, making electronic communication options especially important. Setting up JPay and GTL accounts in advance of any visit or attempted contact is strongly recommended.
Facility Information
Contact details and location information for this correctional facility.
Address
5905 Lake Earl Drive, Crescent City, CA 95531
Main Phone
(707) 465-1000
Administrative line — not for inmate calls
Official Website
Visit official siteCommunication Options
Available communication services at Pelican Bay State Prison.
Messaging
Electronic messages to and from the inmate.
Provider: JPay
Available for most inmates. SHU-assigned individuals may have restrictions.
Video Calls
Remote or in-person video visitation.
Provider: GTL
Available for general population. Restricted housing inmates may not have video access.
Photo Sharing
Send approved digital or physical photos.
Provider: JPay
Digital photos via JPay. Subject to CDCR content guidelines.
Phone Calls
Inmate-initiated phone calls to approved numbers.
Provider: GTL
Available for general population. Phone access restricted for some housing assignments.
Money Transfer
Send funds to commissary or phone accounts.
Provider: JPay
Trust account deposits via JPay for commissary and other purchases.
Communication Providers at Pelican Bay State Prison
These providers operate communication services at this facility. Each may cover different services.
JPay
Electronic messaging, photos, and money transfers. Uses CDCR ID number.
Learn More About JPayGTL
Phone calls and video visitation. Access may be restricted based on housing classification.
Learn More About GTLCommunication Rules at Pelican Bay State Prison
- Communication privileges may be reduced or suspended based on the inmate's housing and disciplinary status.
- SHU or restricted housing assignments may limit phone, video, and messaging access.
- All communications are monitored and subject to CDCR review.
- The remote location makes in-person visits logistically difficult — electronic options are especially important here.
- Confirm the inmate's current housing assignment before setting up or funding any account.
Related Facilities
Other correctional facilities with communication guides.
Frequently Asked Questions — Pelican Bay State Prison
Common questions from families about communication at this facility.
- Can I message someone in the Pelican Bay SHU?
- Messaging access at Pelican Bay depends on the inmate's current housing assignment and status. General population inmates can use JPay. Those in the Security Housing Unit or other restrictive housing may have limited or suspended messaging privileges. Contact CDCR's inmate locator or the facility directly to confirm current communication access for your loved one.
- How do I set up messaging at Pelican Bay?
- Create a JPay account at jpay.com and add the inmate using their CDCR identification number. Purchase JPay stamps to compose messages. Given the remote location of the facility, electronic messaging is the most practical communication option for most families.
- Are phone calls available at Pelican Bay?
- Phone calls at Pelican Bay are managed by GTL. General population inmates have access to facility phones, and families can fund a GTL prepaid account to receive calls. However, phone access can be restricted for inmates in disciplinary housing or those with specific program restrictions. The facility's extremely remote location also affects inmate count and program availability.
- Is video visitation available at Pelican Bay?
- Remote video visitation is available for eligible inmates through GTL. However, given the higher-security nature of the facility, video visit availability may be more limited than at other California state prisons. Families should create a GTL account and confirm video visit eligibility for their specific loved one before booking.
- How do I send money to someone at Pelican Bay?
- Trust account deposits for Pelican Bay inmates are processed through JPay. Log in, navigate to Send Money, and select Pelican Bay State Prison. Funds go to the inmate's trust account for commissary purchases. GTL also accepts phone account funding separately if the inmate has phone access.
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