New Data Reveals Outdoor Recreation Is A $1.3 Trillion Economic Driver

This morning, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) released the highly anticipated 2024 economic data for the outdoor recreation industry. This year’s release showed that, in 2024, the outdoor recreation economy generated a 1.3 trillion economic output, supported 5.2 million jobs (3.2% of US employment), and comprised 2.4% of the national GDP.

The full 2024 data suite is available at this link, and the BEA news release can be found here.

RVing was the second-largest conventional activity for the nation at $27.5 billion in current-dollar value added and was the largest conventional activity in nine states. The states with the largest contributions were Indiana ($5.2 billion), Texas ($2.7 billion), and California ($2.1 billion).

The data, gathered annually in the Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account (ORSA), offers the most up-to-date insights on the sector’s economic footprint. 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 latest BEA data underscores the undeniable impact of outdoor recreation on our economy, and RVing plays a crucial role in that success story,” said Craig Kirby, President and CEO of RV Industry Association. “More than ever, younger and increasingly diverse adventurers are choosing RVs to experience the outdoors and pursue a wide range of activities, from classic pursuits like fishing and hiking to the rising popularity of watersports and off-road adventures. These trends demonstrate that RVing not only enhances personal well-being but also fuels economic growth across the nation.”  

 “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,” says Outdoor Recreation Roundtable President Jess Turner. “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. Outdoor recreation is a proven, sustainable asset on America’s balance sheet—one that contributes $350 million on federal lands and waters alone, and smart investments now will compound returns for decades to come.” 

Inflation-adjusted gross domestic product (GDP) for the outdoor recreation economy increased 2.7 percent in 2024, compared with a 2.8 percent increase for the overall U.S. economy, reflecting a deceleration from the increase in outdoor recreation of 5.3 percent in 2023. In 2024, conventional outdoor recreation (such as bicycling, boating, hiking, and hunting) accounted for 29.5 percent of U.S. outdoor recreation value added, compared with 30.0 percent in 2023.

Key Highlights: 

• Nominal Gross Output: 1.3 trillion economic output 
• 5.2 million jobs (3.2% of US employment)
• 2.4% of GDP ($696.7 billion)
• RVing comprises $27.5 billion of the outdoor recreation economy