The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) released new annual economic data highlighting the continued strength and significant economic impact of outdoor recreation in 2024, the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) recently reported. According to the new BEA Outdoor Recreation Economic Statistics, nominal gross output for outdoor recreation totaled $1.3 trillion in 2024, marking slower but still increasing growth and demand.
Key 2024 Data Highlights
- $1.3 trillion in economic output
- 5.2 million jobs (3.2% of U.S. employment)
- 2.4% of GDP
- 2.7% growth over 2023 data
State-level impact
- The top five states in growth from 2023-2024 were Massachusetts (6.9%), Arizona (6.8%), Iowa (6.6%), Alaska (6.3%) and Nevada (6.1%), underscoring the diverse footprint of outdoor recreation across rural, suburban, and urban economies. State Offices of Outdoor Recreation continue to coordinate investments and initiatives that convert participation into local jobs and small-business revenue.
What do the numbers mean for the industry?
- This year’s data reflects macro headwinds: inflation, interest rates, business uncertainty and shifting consumer behavior in post-COVID recovery.
- Demand is still strong — participation remains high — but affordability may be a barrier.
- The industry has absorbed inflation as long as it can; margins are tight.
- Still, since 2012 outdoor recreation has grown 43.3% in real terms and 84.2% in nominal terms.
- Segment variability matters: manufacturing-heavy segments (e.g., RVing, boating) were slightly lower, while hunting, snowmobiling and tent camping showed resilience and some growth — a nuanced picture that matches what businesses are feeling across the country.
Looking Ahead: Policy Priorities
While the industry remains strong and a major contributor to national and local economies, ORR and its members urge policymakers to:
- Reauthorize and strengthen the Legacy Restoration Fund to modernize recreation infrastructure and accelerate high-value projects nationwide
- Fully implement the bipartisan EXPLORE Act to expand access, innovation, and public-private partnerships
- Recognize outdoor recreation as essential infrastructure for public health and community wellbeing
- Preserve access to public lands and waters in perpetuity as a high-return national investment and a sustainable, appreciating asset on America’s balance sheet
- Fully fund the Recreational Trails Program to support diverse trail users and rural economies
- Reduce regulatory headwinds and increase certainty for outdoor recreation businesses
- Strengthen federal-state coordination, including State Offices of Outdoor Recreation
Statement from Jess Turner, president of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR):
“The new data tells a clear story: outdoor recreation is a $1.3 trillion economic powerhouse touching communities in every corner of the country — but growth has slowed. Americans continue to get outside in record numbers, yet purchasing has slowed. To keep this economic sector strong in 2026, we need action: invest in access, reduce friction in supply chains and permitting with stable business environments, and pass commonsense policies that support outdoor recreation infrastructure and public lands and waters. Outdoor recreation is a proven, sustainable asset on America’s balance sheet — one that contributes $350 million on federal lands and waters alone and smart investments now will compound returns for decades to come.”
Background: The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) releases statistics measuring the outdoor recreation economy for the nation, all 50 states, and the District of Columbia. This is the eighth consecutive year that the BEA has released government data on the outdoor recreation economy. Prior to 2017, the federal government did not measure the economic impact of outdoor recreation. The bipartisan Outdoor Recreation Jobs and Economic Impact Act (Public Law No: 114-249) was signed into law in 2016, which required the federal government to measure the sector’s impact on the economy to help inform policy makers and business leaders about the number of jobs created and consumer spending driven by outdoor recreation industries. The law also requires that the Commerce Department submit a comprehensive analysis to Congress capturing the outdoor recreation sector’s contribution to the economy. 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.
Quotes from Outdoor Recreation Roundtable Members:
“Fishing is one of the oldest gateways to the outdoors, said Glenn Hughes, president and CEO of American Sportfishing Association. Every year, over 57.7 million anglers traverse our waterways to make memories with friends and family while supporting the $230 billion recreational fishing industry. This BEA data confirms that outdoor recreation is deeply intertwined with America’s heritage, and its popularity continues to grow. We must continue working with lawmakers to protect public access, expand recreational opportunities, and safeguard our aquatic ecosystems to further strengthen our outdoor economy.”
“The latest data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis reinforces the important role the outdoor hospitality industry plays in America’s outdoor recreation economy,” said Paul Bambei, president and CEO of the OHI (Outdoor Hospitality Industry). “Private RV parks, campgrounds and glamping businesses serve as the gateway to countless outdoor experiences—from fishing and boating to hiking and biking. As more families, younger generations and diverse campers discover the benefits of time spent outdoors, they are also supporting the communities they visit, spending an average of $60 per person per day in local communities and helping drive economic growth in destinations across the country.”
“Outdoor recreation is one of the cornerstones of Colorado’s economy and culture,” said Conor Hall, director of Colorado’s Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry. “Whether it’s hiking local trails, paddling our rivers, or spending a weekend under the stars, these experiences support businesses, sustain jobs and strengthen communities across the state. The latest data is a clear reminder that protecting access to the outdoors and investing in responsible recreation is critical to keeping Colorado’s outdoor economy strong.”
“The latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reinforces what many of us see every day, that outdoor recreation is both central to Maine’s identity and a powerful economic driver. Maine continues to rank among national leaders, and Maine’s Outdoor Recreation Economy Roadmap provides a clear path to build on that momentum by expanding access, supporting innovative businesses, and creating career pathways for the next generation,” said Jenny Kordick, executive director of Maine Outdoor Brands.
“Outdoor recreation continues to be a strong economic driver in Wyoming, with around 16,000 jobs and over a billion dollars of economic impact,” said Mark Tesoro, manager of the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation. “With new avenues opening up for funding outdoor recreation infrastructure, and communities, government agencies, NGO’s and tribal partners lining up to take part, the future of outdoor recreation in the state is more promising than ever, ” he added. “These projects are vital to the visitor economy and a huge benefit to the quality of life for folks in Wyoming.”
“The annual BEA data remains one of the clearest and most credible measures of the outdoor recreation economy’s role in the United States,” said Kent Ebersole, Outdoor Industry Association CEO. “It helps demonstrate not only the scale of our industry, but also why continued investment in outdoor access, recreation infrastructure, and participation matters for local communities, rural economies, and public health. Outdoor recreation is more than a consumer category. It’s a major contributor to the U.S. economy, a source of jobs in communities of every size, and an engine for rural development.”
“The latest BEA data reinforces what we see every day across Maryland — from the Chesapeake Bay to our state parks, lands and trails — outdoor recreation is both an economic engine and a quality-of-life asset,” said Sandi Olek, director of the Maryland Office of Outdoor Recreation. “In a state defined by vibrant urban centers and treasured natural resources, investing in outdoor access, sustainable infrastructure, and stewardship ensures that our communities remain healthy, resilient, and economically competitive for years to come.”
“Good data drives state strategy and local investment decisions, so the release of this outdoor economy data by the Bureau of Economic Analysis is a key moment for my Office and our local and regional partners every year,” said Brad Garmon, senior strategic advisor and executive director of the Michigan Outdoor Recreation Industry Office. “We provide online visualization tools using this data to help our partners spot trends and key indicators that let them drive continued growth in Michigan’s outdoor economy. That helps more people get outdoors for health and enjoyment by directing smart investments in community infrastructure, and it also supports private sector investments in the industry. Solid data leads to design innovation and supply chain partnerships that create high-paying jobs and train key talent.”
“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.”
“Recreational boating continues to be a key part of America’s Outdoor Recreation Economy, and the new 2024 BEA data highlights Americans’ desire to be outside, get on the water, and enjoy their favorite pastimes,” said Matt Gruhn, president of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas. “The success of the recreational boating industry is ultimately fueled by marine retailers who keep boaters on the water and are key for ensuring that we continue to grow participation in America’s Outdoor Recreation Economy. This economic impact underscores the importance of prioritizing policies that support marine retailers, fuel continued investments in conservation and ensure domestic marine manufacturers can remain strong to ensure the recreational boating industry stays a uniquely American sector.”
“The BEA’s outdoor recreation data is a critical resource for advancing the importance of investing in our public lands and water, recreation infrastructure, our workforce, and communities” said Danny Twilley, AVP of economic and community Development at West Virginia University. “Outdoor recreation is an essential part of West Virginia’s identity as it shapes our communities and who we are as citizens of this great state. As we continue to lean into the importance of outdoor recreation as a vital and vibrant part of our economy, WV will reap the benefits of a diverse economy, a talented workforce, a healthy population, and thriving communities.”
“Outdoor recreation is not a peripheral sector in New Hampshire, it is a central pillar of our economic landscape,” said Tyler Ray, director of Granite Outdoor Alliance. “The latest data underscores the outdoor sector’s role in driving jobs, wages, small business vitality, and regional investment across the state. As we look ahead, maintaining our competitive edge will require treating this sector as a strategic asset and aligning policy, infrastructure, and workforce systems to support its long-term growth.”
“BEA’s Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account data gives regions like Appalachia Maryland a credible way to demonstrate that outdoor recreation is real economic infrastructure,” said Jeffrey Simcoe, executive director of the Frostburg Outdoor Recreation Economy Institute (FOREI). “With an extraordinary foundation of trails, water access, and public lands already in place, the opportunity is not just recreation – it’s entrepreneurship, workforce development, and long-term regional economic growth. We’re grateful to the BEA for producing this data and helping policymakers and communities better understand the true value of the outdoor economy.”
“Fishing is one of the oldest gateways to the outdoors,” said Glenn Hughes, president and CEO of American Sportfishing Association. Every year, over 57.7 million anglers traverse our waterways to make memories with friends and family while supporting the $230 billion recreational fishing industry. This BEA data confirms that outdoor recreation is deeply intertwined with America’s heritage, and its popularity continues to grow. We must continue working with lawmakers to protect public access, expand recreational opportunities, and safeguard our aquatic ecosystems to further strengthen our outdoor economy.
