The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis released updated statistics on March 10, 2026, measuring the outdoor recreation economy for 2024, including revised data for 2020 through 2023.
According to the release, the outdoor recreation economy accounted for 2.4 percent of U.S. gross domestic product, equivalent to $696.7 billion in current-dollar terms. Across states, outdoor recreation value added ranged from 6.1 percent of GDP in Hawaii to 1.0 percent in the District of Columbia.
Inflation-adjusted growth for the outdoor recreation economy slowed in 2024, rising 2.7 percent compared with a 2.8 percent increase for the overall U.S. economy, following a 5.3 percent increase in 2023.
Real gross output for outdoor recreation rose 2.0 percent, while compensation increased 5.2 percent and employment increased 1.1 percent nationally. Employment in the sector increased in 36 states and the District of Columbia, with growth ranging from 4.3 percent in North Dakota to a 4.0 percent decline in Hawaii.
Outdoor recreation is categorized into conventional activities, other activities, and supporting activities. Conventional activities, including bicycling, boating, hiking, and hunting, accounted for 29.5 percent of value added in 2024.
Other activities, such as gardening and outdoor concerts, represented 19.0 percent, while supporting activities—including travel, tourism, and government expenditures—accounted for 51.5 percent. Growth in supporting activities was largely driven by increased spending on transportation, hotels, and restaurants.
Among conventional activities, boating and fishing generated $38.4 billion nationally and were the largest conventional activity in 34 states, with Florida, California, and Texas contributing the most.
RVing followed at $27.5 billion, leading in nine states, particularly Indiana, Texas, and California. Hunting, shooting, and trapping contributed $16.5 billion, while snow activities accounted for $7.6 billion, with the largest state contributions from Colorado, California, and Utah.
Industry-level data showed that arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services contributed $174.4 billion, or 25.0 percent of value added, and were the largest contributor in 23 states and the District of Columbia.
Retail trade contributed $169.1 billion, or 24.3 percent, and manufacturing contributed $91.3 billion, or 13.1 percent, reflecting the economic significance of supply chains supporting outdoor recreation.
Updates to 2020–2023 data incorporated revisions from the 2025 annual update of the National Economic Accounts and Regional Economic Accounts, improving accuracy for trend analysis.
For outdoor hospitality operators, these statistics highlight the continuing importance of RVing, boating, and tourism-related services in driving economic activity and employment. The data can inform investment decisions, marketing strategies, and capacity planning for campgrounds, glamping resorts, and RV parks.