The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) found that RVs accounted for $30 billion in direct annual economic activity in 2016, the most recent year for which statistics are available. The prototype statistics are from the Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account (ORSA), the first ever government report recognizing outdoor recreation as a significant contributor to the U.S. economy.
Overall, outdoor recreation accounted for 2 percent ($373.7 billion) of current-dollar GDP in 2016. In addition, the outdoor recreation economy grew 3.8 percent in 2016, compared to 2.8 percent growth in the overall economy.
“Motorized Vehicles” was the largest activity within “Conventional Outdoor Recreation” in 2016, accounting for $59.4 billion of gross output. This means that RVs, with their $30 billion in gross output, account for more than half of that value.
“The ORSA report is a welcome signal of the critical economic role outdoor recreation plays in the United States, and the RV industry figures reaffirm the strength of our business,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, president of the RV Industry Association. “We are very fortunate to represent a rapidly growing industry that helps keep America’s economy strong and brings enjoyment to millions of Americans.”
The full report issued by ORSA and BEA can be found here.
