Here’s what the outdoor recreation industry means to the U.S. economy

New Bureau of Economic Analysis data found that the outdoor recreation industry was worth $1.3 trillion and represented 2.4% of U.S. gross domestic product in 2024.

This is the eighth year that the agency has tracked and recorded the data since the Congress passed the bipartisan Outdoor Recreation Jobs and Economic Impact Act in 2016.

The latest Outdoor Recreation Economic Statistics report does show a slowdown in growth from previous years — though it did increase 2.7% over 2023 — but remains a growing hotspot in the American economy.

“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,“ Jessica Turner, the president of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, said in a statement.

The ORR is a trade consortium of more than 110,000 American businesses tied to the recreation economy. It includes everything from RV and boat manufacturers to outdoor gear brands, public land trusts and even state recreation agencies. Turner said releasing the new data is the industry’s “Christmas Day.”

With the right support from legislators and similar benefits from the federal government in comparable industries, Turner said that the sector could grow faster and farther. Those similarly large industries are surprising: the oil and gas industry, which was worth $1.55 trillion in 2024, and agriculture and mining, both still smaller than outdoor recreation.

“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,” Turner said.

“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.”

What is the fastest-growing outdoor activity?

Some of the scale of the outdoor industry is staggering. With more than 5 million employees — 3.2% of the entire U.S. workforce — it is not surprising.

Among specific sectors, boating and fishing was 2024’s largest industry with nearly $40 billion in value added to the economy. RVing added $27.5 billion and hunting, shooting and trapping added another $16.5 billion.

The hunting and adjacent sector was also the fastest growing, with a 16.5% increase from the previous year. Climbing, hiking and camping was the next highest growth sector, with an increase of 6.5% year-over-year.

State-by-state, California generated the most income in total dollars with $87.9 billion in 2024. By GDP, 3.3% of Utah’s comes from outdoor recreation. But it is Hawaii that takes in the largest overall percentage of its GDP with 6.1%.

Since the data was first recorded in 2012, outdoor recreation has grown by 43.3% when adjusted for inflation. But in pure dollar terms, it has grown by 84.2%.

There is, of course, variability in terms of segments. The ones that have manufacturing costs like RVing and boating had slightly lower growth. Hunting and tent camping had greater resilience and showed greater growth.

One of the most telling statistics, however, was how much money was spent related to public lands.

“Our newly released report shows $350 million a day from outdoor recreation on federal lands alone go into the outdoor recreation economy,” Turner said during the data release livestream.

This information suggested a call to action, of sorts, in the way Turner spoke. She called for more investment in recreation infrastructure to support “the sustainable, resilient, job creating sector moving forward,” which will “bring revenue back to local communities.”

“Preserving access to public lands and waters continues to remain a priority for all of us,” she said. “This is a high return national investment.”

The current economy’s impact on the outdoor industry

This year’s data does reflect the economic struggles that are affecting most parts of the American economy. At the livestream, Turner referenced inflation, high interest rates, supply chain issues, changing household budgets and tariffs. Many of the smaller outdoor retailers have absorbed those costs since Trump took office, and their margins are struggling as a result, Turner said.

“We know that in 2024, the demand to get outside remained high with positive participation trends across all forms of outdoor recreation, but affordability and uncertainty weighed on purchases and trips. These trends are still being experienced today,” Turner said. “Wallets are thinner, trips are shorter and purchases are fewer.”

Still, the numbers remain encouraging.

Kai Twanmoh, the head of brand engagement for AllTrails, a popular trail mapping app with tens of millions of users, said that its members spent 75% more time outdoors in 2025 than they did in 2024. It was the highest growth he’s seen since the first year of the pandemic.

“What we see today from our members is that people want to be outside. Demand for outdoor experiences continues to grow,” Twanmoh said during the livestream. “We honestly expect 2026 is going to be even bigger as more people step away from their screens and the news cycle. We are predicting new highs for outdoor recreation interest and growth.”

To facilitate those highs, Turner said the sector needs some 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,” she said. “Outdoor recreation is a proven, sustainable asset on America’s balance sheet.”