The area of the camp is divided into two sections – the former concentration camp with the prisoners' camp, crematorium, camp headquarters and living quarters for the guards, and the SS training camp with barracks and classrooms. Although the SS training camp was completely separated from the actual concentration camp area, beginning in 1939/1940 the SS troops in the training camp were also considered to be part of the Waffen SS, of which the SS men in the concentration camp were also members. Multiple factories in which the prisoners had to work were located in both sections of the camp. Apartments and villas owned by SS men could be found on the former „Street of the SS,“ which ran along the south end of the camp, as well as on „Theodor-Eicke-Platz,“ which was located south-west of the prisoners' camp. The SS housing area was located outside of the camp and was accessible to the public.
The prisoners were forced to construct a large herb garden adjacent (plantation) to the eastern side of the camp.