The outdoor recreation industry generated $1.3 trillion in economic output across the United States in 2024, representing 2.4% of the nation’s gross domestic product and supporting 5.2 million jobs, according to federal data released Thursday by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. The agency published the statistics several months later than usual due to a government shutdown last fall. Colorado ranked as the tenth-largest outdoor recreation economy nationally, generating $18 billion in value added and establishing its position as a significant contributor in an industry that continues to drive significant economic activity despite recent headwinds.
Jessica Turner, president of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, a national nonprofit coalition of thousands of trade associations, businesses and other organizations that aims to promote growth of the outdoor recreation economy, addressed the significance of the findings during a press briefing. “Today’s data announcement really underscores that the outdoor recreation industry remained a huge economic driver,” Turner said. The data showed that value added to the nation’s economy reached just shy of $700 billion, representing a 2.7% increase from the previous year when adjusted for inflation.
Among the activities driving the national outdoor recreation economy, boating and fishing led all categories with $38 billion in value added, followed closely by recreational vehicle camping at $27 billion. Hunting, shooting and trapping contributed more than $16 billion, while motorcycling and off-roading added $11 billion. Climbing, hiking and tent camping rounded out the top five with approximately $7 billion in value added. For outdoor hospitality operators, RVing’s position as the second-largest contributor signals continued strong demand for quality camping facilities. Properties that invest in full-hookup sites, pull-through accommodations and amenities catering to RV travelers position themselves to capture a significant share of this substantial market segment.
The fastest-growing activities year-over-year painted an encouraging picture for certain segments of the industry. Hunting, shooting and trapping experienced remarkable growth at 16.5%, while climbing, hiking and camping expanded by 6.5%. Recreational flying grew 5.2%, bicycling increased 3.4% and motorcycling and off-roading added 1.8%. The strong growth in climbing, hiking and camping suggests opportunities for campground operators to develop or expand tent camping areas and primitive sites. Properties near hiking trails or climbing destinations may benefit from highlighting proximity to these activities in their marketing efforts and offering gear storage or equipment rental services.
Colorado’s outdoor recreation sector accounts for 3.3% of the state’s gross domestic product and supports 138,000 jobs, representing 4.5% of total wage and salary employment. The state trails only California, which leads the nation with $88 billion in value added, followed by Florida at $65 billion and Texas at $59 billion. Snow activities including skiing and snowboarding contribute more than $1.5 billion to Colorado’s outdoor economy, representing 20% of nationwide snowsports economic activity. Boating and fishing add approximately $736 million, while RVing generates $582 million in value added.
Conor Hall, director of Colorado’s Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry, responded to the data with enthusiasm. “Outdoor recreation is one of the cornerstones of Colorado’s economy and culture. 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,” Hall said in a statement. He called the findings “a clear reminder that protecting access to the outdoors and investing in responsible recreation is critical to keeping Colorado’s economy strong.” Employment in Colorado’s outdoor recreation sector spans multiple industries, with retail accounting for 36,500 jobs, accommodation and food services employing 32,500 workers and arts, entertainment and recreation providing 31,600 positions. Colorado’s RV sector generating $582 million in value added represents a substantial opportunity for campground and RV park operators in the state. Properties that integrate food service options, whether through on-site cafes, food truck partnerships or well-stocked camp stores, can tap into multiple revenue streams while enhancing the guest experience.
The outdoor recreation economy has demonstrated significant long-term growth, with the nationwide sector increasing approximately 78% since 2014 when not adjusted for inflation. Colorado’s growth has been even more pronounced, expanding by approximately 92% over the same period. Adjusted for inflation, the national industry has grown 32% in the past decade. However, the rate of expansion has slowed, with 2024’s 2.7% inflation-adjusted growth falling short of the 5.3% recorded in 2023. Colorado’s outdoor economy grew 3.6% compared to the previous year, trailing the national average of 4% when not adjusted for inflation, and outdoor recreation employment in the state remained flat from 2023 to 2024.
Turner acknowledged the challenges facing the sector, noting that the slower growth “tracks with the headwinds we’ve all felt and still feel from inflation and high interest rates, supply chain friction and shifting household budgets.” The industry has experienced a slowdown since the surge in interest during the COVID-19 pandemic, with outdoor businesses also struggling with uncertainty around tariffs that have raised prices for consumers, including in the ski industry. “We know that in 2024, the demand to get outside remained high, with positive participation trends across all forms of recreation, but affordability and uncertainty weighed on purchases and trips. These trends are still being experienced today. Wallets are thinner, trips are shorter and purchases are fewer,” Turner said.
Given these pressures, outdoor hospitality operators can employ several strategies to remain resilient during these periods of economic uncertainty. Offering tiered pricing with budget-friendly options alongside premium sites allows properties to serve cost-conscious travelers without abandoning higher-margin offerings. Seasonal pricing adjustments, midweek discounts and extended stay rates are common approaches for maximizing occupancy during softer demand periods. Reducing overhead through energy-efficient infrastructure such as LED lighting, solar panels and water-saving fixtures is widely recognized as a sound investment that lowers operating costs over time. Implementing property management software can streamline operations, reduce staffing inefficiencies and improve the guest booking experience. Properties can also offset fluctuations in overnight stays by adding ancillary revenue sources such as camp stores, equipment rentals, firewood sales and partnerships with local tour operators or outfitters. Hosting events such as outdoor weddings, corporate retreats or seasonal festivals can generate revenue during traditionally slower periods. Repeat visitors provide more predictable revenue than one-time guests, making loyalty programs, guest feedback collection and email newsletter communication established methods for encouraging return visits.
Industry data indicates younger and more diverse demographics are increasingly participating in outdoor recreation, including RV travel. Outdoor hospitality operators looking to appeal to these emerging customer segments can implement several widely recognized practices. Younger travelers typically research and book accommodations through mobile devices, making mobile-optimized websites and online reservation systems with real-time availability an industry standard expectation. Social media presence on platforms popular with millennials and Gen Z helps properties reach these audiences. Properties offering unique experiences beyond basic campsites tend to attract younger demographics, including ready-to-camp setups, glamping accommodations, on-site activities like yoga sessions or guided hikes, and Instagram-worthy amenities such as fire pits, string lights or scenic overlooks. Shorter minimum stay requirements and last-minute booking availability align with spontaneous travel habits often associated with younger travelers, while ensuring marketing materials reflect diverse communities and highlighting accessibility features helps signal that a property welcomes all guests.
Colorado faces additional challenges specific to the state. Historically low snowpack and a record-hot winter have impacted the ski industry, with effects likely to linger into spring and summer affecting rafting, camping and other activities. Public lands supporting outdoor recreation have lost thousands of employees through mass firings and voluntary resignation programs under the Trump administration. Compensation in Colorado’s outdoor recreation industry increased 5% in 2024, though average compensation per job reached $68,274, compared with $96,339 for all salaried jobs statewide.
Kent Ebersole, CEO of the Outdoor Industry Association, which represents more than 450 outdoor organizations, called the Bureau of Economic Analysis data “one of the clearest and most credible measures of the outdoor recreation economy’s role in the United States.” In a statement, Ebersole said, “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.” Industry advocates continue to call for continued investments in public lands, reduced regulatory friction and passage of the bipartisan EXPLORE Act to sustain the outdoor economy’s long-term infrastructure and accessibility. Despite current headwinds, overall participation and demand remain high across the outdoor recreation sector, positioning operators who adapt their strategies and invest wisely to benefit as market conditions stabilize.