U.S. Public Holidays 2026–2028 | Plan Your Motorhome or Campervan Rental

When preparing a motorhome or campervan rental in the United States, it’s important to know the official federal public holidays. On these dates, many RV rental agencies are closed, highways are busier, and campgrounds fill quickly. By checking the holiday calendar in advance, you can avoid surprises and secure your motorhome or campervan during peak travel times.

Below you’ll find the list of U.S. federal holidays for 2026, 2027, and 2028, along with tips for planning your road trip around them.

USA Public Holidays 2026–2028

 Notes for International Travellers

• These are federal holidays; states may observe additional dates (e.g. César Chávez Day in California, Patriots’ Day in Massachusetts).

• When a holiday falls on a weekend, it is usually observed on the nearest weekday (Friday if Saturday, Monday if Sunday).

• Peak travel times for Americans:

  • Thanksgiving (late November) → busiest domestic travel week of the year.

  • Independence Day (4 July) → expect crowded national parks, beaches, and fireworks events.

  • Christmas & New Year → high demand for flights and accommodation.

• Quieter options: Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends are busy but manageable if you book early.

5 USA Itineraries Around Public Holidays (for International Visitors)

1. Martin Luther King Jr. Day (mid‑January) – Civil Rights & the South

• Why go: This holiday honors Dr. King’s legacy. Cities like Atlanta, Memphis, and Birmingham host commemorations and museum events.

• Be aware: It’s not a peak travel weekend, but some sites may be crowded with local visitors.

• Itinerary idea: Start in Atlanta (King Center, National Center for Civil and Human Rights), continue to Montgomery and Birmingham for civil rights landmarks, then end in Memphis for music and history.

2. Memorial Day (late May) – Washington D.C. & East Coast

• Why go: Memorial Day marks the start of summer, with parades, ceremonies, and the famous Rolling Thunder motorcycle rally in D.C.

• Be aware: This is a major travel weekend for Americans — highways, airports, and national parks are busy. If you prefer quieter travel, visit the week before.

• Itinerary idea: Spend a few days in Washington D.C. (monuments, Smithsonian museums), then road trip north to Philadelphia and New York City.

3. Independence Day (4 July) – New England & Boston

• Why go: Boston is the birthplace of the American Revolution, and its July 4th celebrations are iconic, with fireworks over the Charles River.

• Be aware: Expect large crowds and high accommodation prices. If you want fewer people, travel in late June or mid‑July instead.

• Itinerary idea: Begin in Boston, follow the Freedom Trail, then drive up the New England coast to Portland (Maine) and Acadia National Park.

4. Labor Day (early September) – National Parks of the West

• Why go: This long weekend is the unofficial end of summer. Families often take one last trip before school starts.

• Be aware: National Parks (Yosemite, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon) are very busy. For a calmer experience, go the week after.

• Itinerary idea: Fly into Las Vegas, rent a campervan, and loop through Zion, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Canyon.

5. Thanksgiving (late November) – New York City & East Coast

• Why go: The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York is world‑famous, and the holiday kicks off the Christmas season.

• Be aware: This is the busiest travel week of the year in the USA. Flights and trains are packed, and prices spike. If you want to avoid the chaos, visit in early December instead.

• Itinerary idea: Spend Thanksgiving in New York City, then continue south to Washington D.C. for monuments and museums, or north to Boston for history and winter charm.

Key Takeaway for Planning your Trip

• Join the holidays if you want to experience American culture at its most vibrant.

• Travel just before or after if you prefer quieter roads, easier bookings, and lower costs.