Presidents Day Weekend in the Poconos: Plan the Perfect LongWeekend

Presidents Day weekend is one of the best three-day weekends to visit the Pocono Mountains. It falls on

Monday, February 16 in 2026, giving you a full Saturday-through-Monday window to ski, explore, and unwind in

a vacation home without burning a vacation day. For families, couples, and groups from New York, New Jersey,

and Philadelphia, the Poconos is close enough for a long weekend but far enough to feel like a real trip.

Here is how to plan the perfect Presidents Day weekend in the Poconos, from what to do to where to stay.

Why Presidents Day Weekend Works for the Poconos

February in the Pocono Mountains means ski season is in full swing, the trails are covered in snow, and

midwinter cabin stays feel cozy without the premium pricing of Christmas and New Year's. Presidents Day

weekend is the sweet spot: high enough demand to keep the energy going at ski areas and local restaurants,

but not so packed that you're fighting for lift tickets or dinner reservations.

The three-day weekend also gives you time to do more than just ski. You can hit the slopes on Saturday, take a

day trip on Sunday, and still have Monday to relax before driving home.

Hit the Slopes at Camelback Mountain

Camelback Mountain is the closest major ski area to most Pocono Pads vacation homes, typically within 10 to

15 minutes. It offers skiing, snowboarding, and one of the largest snow tubing parks in the region. Snow tubing

is great for groups that include non-skiers because no experience is needed and it's fun for all ages.

Buy lift tickets or tubing passes online in advance. Presidents Day weekend is popular and walk-up availability

can be limited, especially for tubing.

Take a Day Trip to Jim Thorpe for WinterFest

Jim Thorpe WinterFest takes place February 14 and 15, 2026, which falls right at the start of Presidents Day

weekend. The historic downtown comes alive with ice carvings, live entertainment, carriage rides (weather

permitting), and the popular Mug Walk where you visit local shops and collect treats.

Jim Thorpe is about 45 minutes from most Pocono Pads vacation homes, making it a comfortable day trip.

General admission to WinterFest is free. The Mug Walk costs $30 per ticket and must be purchased in

advance. Train rides on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway run $23 to $32 per ticket and sell out quickly, so book

ahead.

Parking in Jim Thorpe during WinterFest is limited. The main lot is the Carbon County Municipal Lot at 1

Susquehanna Street ($15 per day on weekends). Arrive early for the best spots.

Explore Indoor Activities at Your Cabin

One of the best parts of a Presidents Day weekend in the Poconos is having nowhere to be. Many Pocono

Pads vacation homes come with game rooms, pool tables, arcades, indoor slides, and hot tubs that makestaying in just as fun as going out.

Cook a big group breakfast. Start a fire. Sit in the hot tub after a day on the slopes. The cabin experience is the

vacation, not just the place you sleep.

Where to Eat Over the Long Weekend

Berrelli's Italian Chophouse at Camelback Resort is within minutes of most Pocono Pads homes and runs

Valentine's and holiday weekend specials. For a broader selection, the Tannersville and Bartonsville areas

have a variety of restaurants serving Italian, American, and Asian cuisine, most within a short drive.

If you're heading to Jim Thorpe for WinterFest, plan to eat lunch or dinner in town. Broadway and West

Broadway are lined with restaurants and cafes offering winter specials during the festival.

Book a Vacation Home Near Camelback Mountain

The best Presidents Day weekend stays have three things: proximity to Camelback Mountain, room for your

whole group, and amenities that make the cabin feel like a destination. Look for properties with hot tubs,

fireplaces, and game rooms.

Pocono Pads manages over 40 vacation homes across the Pocono Mountains, many within 10 to 15 minutes of

Camelback Mountain. Whether it's a couples trip, a family getaway, or a group of friends splitting a big cabin,

there's a property that fits.

Presidents Day weekend books fast. Browse Pocono Pads properties at poconopads.com and book direct for

the best pricing and direct communication with the team managing your stay.