State officials, conservation groups, and industry leaders gathered at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center for West Virginia’s Outdoor Economy Summit, a two-day event concluding today that organizers say marks a turning point in how the state approaches economic development.
Hosted by The Nature Conservancy and West Virginia University Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative, and presented by the Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau, the summit brought together participants from tourism, conservation, outdoor recreation, entrepreneurship, workforce development, nonprofits, and government to chart a coordinated path forward for an industry that generates an estimated $2.1 billion annually.
The inaugural gathering represented the statewide, cross-sector effort focused exclusively on advancing West Virginia’s outdoor economy. Working sessions were designed to move beyond theoretical discussion and toward coordinated action, with organizers positioning the state’s natural resources as central to its economic future.
Dr. Danny Twilley, assistant vice president of economic and community development for the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative, framed the significance of the gathering in stark terms.
“This Summit is about recognizing that our outdoor recreation assets are valuable, rare, and difficult to replicate, and that makes them a powerful economic development strategy,” Twilley said, as reported by the Free Press on February 10.
Organizers pointed to intentional investment in outdoor recreation as a potential solution to population loss and brain drain, two of West Virginia’s most persistent challenges.
“If we invest intentionally, the outdoor economy can help address one of West Virginia’s greatest challenges: population loss and brain drain, while enhancing the quality of life for our citizens,” Twilley said.
The summit drew comparisons to states that have successfully leveraged outdoor assets to attract new residents and businesses. Idaho, Colorado, Utah, eastern Tennessee, and western North Carolina all invested in their outdoor infrastructure before experiencing significant population and business growth.
For campground owners and RV park operators throughout West Virginia, the state’s renewed focus on outdoor economic development raises practical questions about how to position their properties to benefit from this coordinated push.
Upgrading electrical infrastructure to 50-amp service has become essential for attracting modern RVs, as properties with only 30-amp hookups risk losing bookings to competitors who can accommodate larger units with greater power demands.
Reliable high-speed internet has similarly evolved from an amenity into a baseline expectation, particularly as remote workers increasingly seek destinations that allow them to combine productive workdays with outdoor recreation.
Sustainable infrastructure improvements represent another consideration for operators evaluating capital investments. Solar power installations, water conservation systems, and waste reduction programs can reduce operational costs over time while appealing to environmentally conscious travelers who prioritize responsible tourism.
Beyond traditional RV sites, diversifying accommodations by adding glamping units such as yurts, cabins, and safari tents broadens market appeal and typically commands higher nightly rates from guests seeking unique experiences.