According to new data released by the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the outdoor recreation industry continues to be an economic powerhouse in the United States. The BEA Outdoor Recreation Economic Statistics report shows that nominal gross output for outdoor recreation totaled $1.3 trillion in 2024, marking slower but still increasing growth and demand. This data highlights the continued strength and significant economic impact of outdoor recreation on national and local economies.
The industry remains strong and a major contributor to national and local economies, but growth has slowed. Americans continue to get outside in record numbers, yet purchasing has slowed. To keep this economic sector strong in 2026, we need action: invest in access, reduce friction in supply chains and permitting with stable business environments, and pass commonsense policies that support outdoor recreation infrastructure and public lands and waters.
The U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Economic Analysis releases statistics measuring the outdoor recreation economy for the nation, all 50 states, and the District of Columbia. This is the eighth consecutive year that the BEA has released government data on the outdoor recreation economy. Prior to 2017, the federal government did not measure the economic impact of outdoor recreation.
The bipartisan Outdoor Recreation Jobs and Economic Impact Act was signed into law in 2016, which required the federal government to measure the sector's impact on the economy to help inform policy makers and business leaders about the number of jobs created and consumer spending driven by outdoor recreation industries. The law also requires that the Commerce Department submit a comprehensive analysis to Congress capturing the outdoor recreation sector's contribution to the economy.
The annual BEA data remains one of the clearest and most credible measures of the outdoor recreation economy's role in the United States. 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.
The outdoor hospitality industry plays a crucial role in America's outdoor recreation economy,
The outdoor recreation industry remains a significant contributor to the US economy, but growth has slowed in recent years.
