The President's Day Checklist: Where to Find Free Park Entry This Long Weekend

Planning a long weekend in an RV? You picked the perfect time. On Monday, February 16, 2026, the National Park Service and the Bureau of Land Management are waiving entrance fees for all U.S. residents. Whether you want a quick "backyard" getaway from Hemet or a multi-state trek from Coachella, we’ve mapped out the best spots to save some cash and soak up the scenery. If you looking for a full local itinerary for Valentine's Day Weekend 2026 be sure to check out our previous blog here!

If you’re picking up your rental from our locations in either Hemet or Coachella, here are the best spots to visit where the gate fee is $0.

📍 The "Backyard" List (Under 90 Minutes)

• Joshua Tree National Park (CA): The ultimate Coachella neighbor. Save $30 on Monday.

  • Best for: Stargazing and easy bouldering.

  • RV Tip: Use the South Entrance (Cottonwood) to avoid the main highway crowds.

• San Bernardino National Forest (CA): Fees are waived at most "Standard Amenity" sites.

  • Best for: A mountain escape to Idyllwild.

• Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument (CA): Explore the rugged trails between Hemet and Palm Desert.

📍 The "Day Tripper" List (2–5 Hours)

• Death Valley National Park (CA): Save $30 on Monday.

  • Best for: Seeing the salt flats in the perfect 21°C February weather.

• Red Rock Canyon (NV): Save $15 on Monday.

  • Best for: Stunning red peaks just outside of Las Vegas.

• Mojave National Preserve (CA): Always a quiet alternative to the busier parks.

  • Best for: Seeing the Kelso Dunes.

• Cabrillo National Monument (San Diego, CA): Save $20 on Monday.

  • Best for: Whale watching and tide-pooling with a coastal breeze.

📍 The "Road Warrior" List (5+ Hours)

• Grand Canyon National Park (AZ): Save $35 on Monday.

  • Best for: That bucket-list snowy rim view.

• Saguaro National Park (AZ): Save $25 on Monday.

  • Best for: Romantic sunsets among giant cacti in Tucson.

• Lake Mead National Recreation Area (NV/AZ): Save $25 on Monday.

  • Best for: A lakeside BBQ under the desert sun.

• Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument (AZ): A hidden gem on the border.

  • Best for: The ultimate quiet, off-grid RV experience.

⚠️ 3 Things to Know for 2026

1. Bring Your ID: New for 2026, fee-free days are for U.S. residents and citizens only. Have your license ready at the gate!

2. Camping ≠ Free: While the entry is free, overnight camping fees still apply. Be sure to book your site in advance. 

3. Digital Passes: If you decide to buy an annual pass for future trips, they are now 100% digital via Recreation.gov.

🚐 Pick Up Your Rig in Hemet or Coachella!

We still have a few vans and motorhomes available for the February 13–16 weekend. Skip the hotel, grab the keys, and spend President's Day in the wild. 

Between the zero-dollar entry fees at Joshua Tree and the romantic sunsets of the Arizona desert, the 2026 President’s Day weekend is shaping up to be one for the books.

You don’t need a week of vacation time to feel like you’ve escaped the world. Whether you’re looking to surprise your Valentine with a private dinner under the stars or you're ready to take the family on a multi-state educational trek, the Southwest is wide open and waiting.

Our rigs are fully prepped and parked in Hemet and Coachella—ready for you to turn the key.

Don't let the "Free Entry" weekend pass you by!

[Click Here to See Our Available RVs]

Ready for fun-filled president's day?

Rent an RV from RV Rentals Way of Life! 

WE OFFER COMPETITIVE RATES, DISCOUNTS, AND PROMOS! 

We will even deliver and set-up your RV directly to your desired campground!

Call or text 951-691-1244

or check out our full inventory at RVRentalsWayofLife.com