The U.S. outdoor recreation industry contributed a record $1.2 trillion to the nation’s economy in 2023, according to data released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). This marks the seventh consecutive year that the BEA assessed the economic impact of outdoor recreation, highlighting its significance as a driver of economic output, job creation, and community support.
The data reveal that outdoor recreation accounted for 2.3% of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and supported 5 million jobs, representing 3.1% of the country’s workforce.
Among outdoor activities, RVing and camping emerged as the second-largest contributors, generating $26.3 billion in value added. States like Indiana, Texas, and California led the nation, with Indiana’s RVing and camping sector alone adding $4.7 billion.
According to a press release, Paul Bambei, president and CEO of OHI, emphasized that private RV parks, campgrounds, and glamping businesses are playing an increasingly significant role in the outdoor recreation economy, a trend reflected in the latest BEA data.
Bambei also underscored the vital role camping plays in fostering other outdoor activities, such as fishing, hiking, and biking. He noted, “Camping is often the catalyst for other outdoor recreation activities… These campers are spending an average of $50 per person, per day in communities where they are camping, which helps fuel economic growth locally and nationwide.”
Jessica Turner, president of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), also explained the industry’s resilience and broad economic contributions. “With over $1.2 trillion in economic output and generating 5 million jobs, this marks another year of growth for the outdoor recreation economy,” Turner stated, encouraging policymakers to prioritize investments in outdoor infrastructure.
“The new BEA data highlights outdoor recreation as a cornerstone of our economy, generating jobs, supporting small businesses, and providing essential opportunities for Americans to engage with the outdoors for health, connection, and quality of life,” Turner added.
To ensure continued growth, organizations like OHI and ORR are advocating for outdoor recreation as a national priority. Their efforts include partnering with members of Congress and working with over 40 outdoor recreation organizations to secure investments in outdoor infrastructure and accessibility.
