Iowa Becomes 25th State to Establish Office of Outdoor Recreation, Signaling Major Win for RV Industry

In a milestone move for the outdoor economy, Iowa has officially become the 25th state to establish a dedicated Office of Outdoor Recreation (OREC). The announcement, celebrated by Governor Kim Reynolds at Lake Ahquabi State Park on Monday, June 8, marks a crucial halfway point in the strategic campaign to secure dedicated outdoor recreation offices across all 50 states.

The RV Industry Association, along with other members of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), played a pivotal role in reaching this landmark, working closely with state leadership, industry giants, and the Confluence of States to build the necessary bipartisan momentum. For the RV sector, these offices are essential infrastructure drivers. By streamlining public-private partnerships, coordinating statewide campground and trail expansions, and securing development funding, OREC agencies directly lower barriers to RV travel and boost consumer participation. Iowa’s outdoor recreation economy already generates $5.9 billion annually and supports nearly 48,000 jobs. A unified state office ensures these figures will grow through targeted economic development.

Representing the industry at the historic announcement was Chad Reece, Vice President of Government and Industry Relations at Winnebago Industries and Chair of the RV Industry Association’s Government Affairs Committee. Reece has been an influential, long-standing advocate pushing for OREC offices nationwide.

“Today was definitely a career highlight in my 38 years with Winnebago Industries as I was able to be on hand as Governor Kim Reynolds signed an executive order establishing the Iowa Office of Outdoor Recreation. In Iowa we are blessed with beautiful landscapes and terrific natural resources that provide abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. Outdoor Recreation generates nearly $6 billion in annual economic benefit in our State and even more importantly provides incredible health and wellness benefits,” said Reece. “The establishment of the Outdoor Office of Recreation will help ensure that we continue to protect, enhance and grow our recreational opportunities for today and future generations. Thank you Governor Reynolds, Director Durham and your teams for making this a reality.”

ORR leadership also highlighted the national significance of the announcement, emphasizing how a unified state focus unlocks massive potential for small businesses and rural communities alike.

 “Today is a huge moment for Iowa and a landmark moment for the outdoor recreation economy nationwide,” said Chris Perkins, Vice President of Programs at Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. “With Iowa becoming the 25th state to establish an outdoor recreation office, we are seeing undeniable momentum behind the idea that outdoor recreation drives economic growth, supports small businesses and rural communities, improves public health and strengthens quality of life. ORR has proudly worked alongside states across the country to help launch and support these offices, and we are thrilled to welcome Iowa into this growing movement.”

With outdoor recreation fueling 2.4% of the U.S. GDP and supporting 5.2 million American jobs, the RV Industry Association continues to advocate for the remaining 25 states to follow Iowa’s lead, locking in robust, recreation-friendly infrastructure from coast to coast.