Outdoor Recreation Economic Impact Tops $1 Trillion

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. 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 economic output
• 2 million jobs (3.2% of U.S. Employment)
• 4% of GDP
• 7% growth over 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 43% 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.