Outdoor recreation generated $1.3 trillion in economic output in 2024, accounting for 2.4% of the United States’ gross domestic product and supporting 5.2 million jobs, according to new data released by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis.
The annual Outdoor Recreation Economic Statistics report shows the sector continued to expand last year, though growth slowed to 2.7% compared with 2023 as economic pressures affected consumer spending and business conditions across the industry.
The report estimates outdoor recreation employment represents 3.2% of all United States jobs, underscoring the sector’s role in both national and local economies across rural, suburban, and urban communities.
According to a press release, Jess Turner, president of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), said the latest figures confirm the scale of the industry while also highlighting emerging economic challenges.
“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,” Turner said. “Americans continue to get outside in record numbers, yet purchasing has slowed.”
According to the data, the sector is facing broader economic headwinds, including inflation, higher interest rates, business uncertainty, and changes in consumer behavior during the post-pandemic recovery period. Industry margins have also tightened as businesses absorb rising costs.
Despite those pressures, long-term growth remains strong. Since 2012, outdoor recreation has expanded 43.3% in real terms and 84.2% in nominal terms.
The report also highlights differences across segments of the industry. Manufacturing-driven categories such as recreational vehicles and boating recorded slightly weaker performance, while activities including hunting, snowmobiling, and tent camping showed resilience and some growth.
State-level data shows continued geographic expansion of the sector. Massachusetts recorded the fastest growth between 2023 and 2024 at 6.9%, followed by Arizona at 6.8%, Iowa at 6.6%, Alaska at 6.3%, and Nevada at 6.1%.
Paul Bambei, president and CEO of OHI, said private campgrounds and RV parks remain an important access point for outdoor recreation participation.
“The latest data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis reinforces the important role the outdoor hospitality industry plays in America’s outdoor recreation economy,” Bambei said. “Private RV parks, campgrounds and glamping businesses serve as the gateway to countless outdoor experiences—from fishing and boating to hiking and biking.”
The Bureau of Economic Analysis began releasing national and state-level data on the outdoor recreation economy in 2017 following passage of the Outdoor Recreation Jobs and Economic Impact Act in 2016.