Long boats prepare to launch for the FIBArk marathon. Photo by Carly Winchell.
Outdoor Recreation Industry Remains an Economic Powerhouse as Dept. of Commerce Reports Record Impact on U.S. Economy
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) today released new annual economic data highlighting the continued strength and significant economic impact of outdoor recreation in 2024.
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 (gross Domestic Product)
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.
2025 FIBArk Downriver Race. Photo by Carly Winchell.
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):
Photo at Salida Regional Library. “Mountain biking is a bit like life. It doesn’t get any easier, we just get faster”. Granny Girls Support Group photo
“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.”
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA)
The 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.”
“Outdoor recreation is one of the cornerstones of Colorado’s economy and culture,” said Conor Hall, Director of Colorado’s Office of Outdoor RecreationIndustry. “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 annual BEA data remains one of the clearest and most credible measures of the outdoor recreation economy’s role in the United States,” said Outdoor Industry Association CEO Kent Ebersole. “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 Outdoor Recreation Roundtable is the nation’s leading coalition of outdoor recreation associations representing the more than 110,000 outdoor businesses in the recreation economy and the full spectrum of outdoor-related activities. The most recent data from the U.S. Department of Commerce shows that outdoor recreation generated $1.3 trillion in economic output (2.4% of GDP), 5.2 million jobs and comprises 3.2% of U.S. employees.