Outdoor recreation is showing slower but still increasing growth, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis annual economic data for outdoor recreation in 2024. According to the new statistics, outdoor recreation totaled $1.3 trillion in nominal gross output in 2024, supported 5.2 million jobs, and made up 2.4 percent of GDP.
“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,” said Jess Turner, president of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, a business coalition seeking to advance a sustainable outdoor recreation economy.
While growth has slowed, it is still increasing, with the data showing 2.7 percent growth over 2023 data. For comparison, 2023 showed 5.3 percent growth over 2022.
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%). Across the United States, outdoor recreation has grown 43.3 percent in real terms and 84.2 percent in nominal terms since 2012.
The most popular outdoor recreation activity in 2024, according to the data, was boating/fishing. RVing was the second, and hunting/shooting/trapping was the third.
The ORR notes that demand for outdoor recreation is still strong, and participation remains high, but affordability may be a barrier causing growth to slow. The industry seems to have absorbed inflation for about as long as it can. This creates uncertainty for future growth as long as inflation remains at issue.
In order to support the outdoor recreation industry, ORR is encouraging policymakers to reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund to modernize recreation infrastructure; fully implement the EXPLORE Act to expand access, innovation, and public-private partnerships; fully fund the Recreational Trails Program to support diverse trail users and rural economies; and more.
“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,” said Turner. “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.”
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