New Data Shows Outdoor Recreation Is A $1.2 Trillion Economic Engine, Supporting 5 Million American Jobs

Outdoor Recreation Roundtable announced new economic data released today by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) revealing that outdoor recreation continues to be a major driver of the U.S. economy, jobs, and local communities. According to the latest data from the BEA Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account, outdoor recreation generated $1.2 trillion in economic output (2.3% of GDP), comprises 3.1% of U.S. employees and accounted for 5 million jobs in 2023.  

This is the largest recorded measure since the BEA started calculating the size of the outdoor recreation economy in 2012. According to newly revised data in this year’s release from the BEA, the outdoor recreation economy has grown 36% in real terms since 2012. These new figures reveal that the outdoor recreation economy contributes more to the U.S. economy than farming, oil and gas extraction, mining, and utilities.  

This is the seventh consecutive year that the BEA has released government data on this critical industry sector. Today’s release confirms the role of outdoor recreation as a central contributor to thriving economies, healthy people, and connected communities. 

"The latest BEA data underscores the undeniable impact of outdoor recreation on our economy, and RVing plays a crucial role in that success story," says Craig Kirby, President and CEO of the 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."

Jessica Turner, president of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, elevated the new data as a testament to the strength and importance of the outdoor recreation economy: “With over $1.2 trillion in economic output and generating 5 million jobs, this marks another year of growth for the outdoor recreation economy, underscoring its resilience and importance across the nation. The new BEA data highlights outdoor recreation as a cornerstone of our economy, generating jobs, supporting small businesses, and providing essential opportunities for Americans to engage with the outdoors for health, connection, and quality of life. This new data should signal to policymakers and leaders across the country that investing in outdoor infrastructure and access must remain a national, bipartisan priority. We urge this Congress to take swift action to pass the EXPLORE Act, a widely supported package of bills that will help to ensure that all Americans have access to the outdoors and support the communities and businesses that rely on recreation economies." 

Key Highlights: 

• Nominal Gross Output: $1.2 trillion, up 5% from 2022 
• 36% growth in Real Gross Output since 2012 
• 5 million jobs, 3.1% of Employment 

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