Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) announced new economic data released by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) revealing that outdoor recreation continues to be a major driver of the U.S. economy, jobs and local communities.
According to the latest data from the BEA Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account, outdoor recreation generated $1.2 trillion in economic output (2.3% of GDP), comprises 3.1% of U.S. employees and accounted for 5 million jobs in 2023.
This is the largest recorded measure since the BEA started calculating the size of the outdoor recreation economy in 2012. According to newly revised data in this year’s release from the BEA, the outdoor recreation economy has grown 36% in real terms since 2012. These new figures reveal that the outdoor recreation economy contributes more to the U.S. economy than farming, mining and utilities.
This is the seventh consecutive year that the BEA has released government data on this critical industry sector. This year’s release confirms the role of outdoor recreation as a central contributor to thriving economies, healthy people and connected communities.
Jessica Turner, president of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), elevated the new data as a testament to the strength and importance of the outdoor recreation economy: “With over $1.2 trillion in economic output and generating 5 million jobs, this marks another year of growth for the outdoor recreation economy, underscoring its resilience and importance across the nation. The new BEA data highlights outdoor recreation as a cornerstone of our economy, generating jobs, supporting small businesses, and providing essential opportunities for Americans to engage with the outdoors for health, connection, and quality of life. This new data should signal to policymakers and leaders across the country that investing in outdoor infrastructure and access must remain a national, bipartisan priority. We urge this Congress to take swift action to pass the EXPLORE Act, a widely supported package of bills that will help to ensure that all Americans have access to the outdoors and support the communities and businesses that rely on recreation economies.”
Key Highlights:
- Nominal Gross Output: $1.2 trillion, up 5% from 2022
- 36% growth in Real Gross Output since 2012
- 5 million jobs, 3.1% of Employment
Diverse Sector Growth (Real Terms):
- Bicycling up 11%
- Climbing/hiking/tent camping up 6%
- Hunting/shooting/trapping up 12%
- Snow Activities up 23%
- Trips and Travel up 7%
- Lodging up 9%
- The outdoor recreation economy exceeded growth of the U.S. economy from 2022 to 2023 with outdoor recreation real GDP growing 3.6% compared to 2.9% for the U.S. economy and jobs growing 3.3% compared to 1.8%.
Continued Growth Despite Challenges: Despite economic fluctuations and market adjustments following the pandemic, the outdoor recreation economy continues to outpace the broader U.S. economy in several metrics. The data reflects increased participation across a variety of outdoor activities and a surge in related industries such as arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation and food services (up 6% in real terms).
Federal Support Remains Critical: The EXPLORE Act, already passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in April 2024, would help ensure that public lands and recreational spaces remain accessible and well-maintained, with updates in antiquated management policies, boosting the outdoor economy without new costs to taxpayers. As the outdoor recreation economy grows, so does the need for continued investment in public lands and infrastructure. Without updates and improvements, many recreation areas risk falling behind demand. Additionally, retroactively extending the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) by the end of the year would bring back certainty to the businesses trying to move supply chains out of China and keep their products affordable for consumers.
ORR continues to support the BEA’s Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account. Just like is the case for many other industries, this annual data is vital to showing how the outdoor recreation industry has a significant impact on the national economy and job creation and contributes to the health and vitality of the nation. To learn more about ORR and outdoor recreation’s contributions to the economy, click here.
“This BEA report confirms the vital role of outdoor recreation in bolstering state and national economies,” said Phil Ingrassia, president of the RV Dealers Association. “Outdoor recreation businesses, such as RV dealerships and campgrounds, are especially beneficial for rural communities, stimulating economic activity and creating jobs in less-populated areas of the country.”
“The latest BEA data underscores the undeniable impact of outdoor recreation on our economy, and RVing plays a crucial role in that success story,” said Craig Kirby, president and CEO of RV Industry Association. “More than ever, younger and increasingly diverse adventurers are choosing RVs to experience the outdoors and pursue a wide range of activities, from classic pursuits like fishing and hiking to the rising popularity of watersports and off-road adventures. These trends demonstrate that RVing not only enhances personal well-being but also fuels economic growth across the nation.”
“The outdoor hospitality industry, including private RV parks, campgrounds and glamping businesses, undoubtedly plays a vital and growing role in the outdoor recreation economy and this is evident in this latest BEA data,” said Paul Bambei, president and CEO of OHI. “Camping is often the catalyst for other outdoor recreation activities, including fishing, boating, hiking, biking, and many more, and a growing number of younger generations, families and diverse campers are creating lasting memories together while on these adventures. These campers are spending an average of $50 per person, per day in communities where they are camping, which helps fuel economic growth locally and nationwide.”
See additional quotes here. For the full U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis report, click here.