Trends and Opportunities in the Outdoor Recreation Economy

This article was originally written by Jim Damicis and Katherine Follansbee and published in the September/October 2023 issue of Expansion Solutions Magazine. In August 2026, Rachel Selsky, AICP, and Hannah Ransom updated it with data from the US Bureau of Economic Analysis’ (BEA) March 2026 release and expanded it to include additional guidance on how communities can measure the economic impact of their outdoor recreation assets.

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Outdoor recreation is a critical component of local and regional economies across the US. This includes rural areas as well as densely developed urban areas.

It contributes to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), provides important amenities for residents and workers, contributes to healthy communities, helps protect the environment, and creates opportunities for businesses across multiple sectors, from services and manufacturing to retail.

Like most sectors, Outdoor Recreation was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Employment within the sector decreased by over 10% from 2019 to 2021, and sales decreased by approximately 16% from 2019 to 2020. It has since recovered, with jobs up 5% since 2019 and sales up 9% by 2025.

This article examines recent trends, opportunities, challenges, and successes in the US Outdoor Recreation sector and offers guidance to help economic developers grow their outdoor recreation economy.

Defining the Outdoor Recreation Economy

For the purposes of this article, our definition of outdoor recreation includes direct outdoor recreation as well as highly related manufacturing, sellers, and transportation sectors. For the full list of industries included in this analysis, see Table 1 at the end of this article.

In 2025, there were an estimated 2,950,013 jobs in the US outdoor recreation economy. As shown in Figure 1, jobs in attractions and activities accounted for more than half of outdoor recreation employment, and wholesale/retail/rental jobs accounted for more than one quarter. Outdoor Recreation-related manufacturing accounted for 5% of jobs, and transportation, such as scenic sightseeing jobs, accounted for only 1%.

Pandemic-Era and Recent Outdoor Recreation Trends

During the COVID-19 pandemic, employment in the Outdoor Recreation sector dropped from 2.8 million to 2.5 million, a more than 10% decrease from 2019 to 2021.

From 2021 to 2022, employment increased by over 9% and has continued to grow by approximately 2.6% annually since then. This is greater than pre-pandemic growth rates, which were 5.68% from 2016 to 2019. Employment in the Outdoor Recreation sector has now surpassed the pre-pandemic level of 2.8 million, with continued projected growth through 2031 (see Figure 2).

Gross regional product (GRP) for the US Outdoor Recreation sector, which measures total economic output, has more than doubled since 2011, with the only significant drop from 2019 to 2020. In 2021, the Outdoor Recreation GRP was already back on track, and its trajectory seemed largely unaffected by the pandemic.

Revenue in the US Outdoor Recreation sector has been steadily increasing since the 2008 recession. Despite a 12% dip in sales in 2020, revenue shot back up to pre-pandemic levels in 2021 and is projected to continue that steady growth for at least the next five years.

Trends in Selected Outdoor Recreation Subsectors

To further examine Outdoor Recreation, we looked closely at three subsectors:

• Athletic and sporting goods manufacturing (NAICS 33992a)
• National parks and other nature-based institutions (NAICS 71219)
• Campgrounds and RV parks (NAICS 72121)

Information for this section is pulled from IBISWorld, which uses a slightly different classification system than in Table 1.

Athletic and Sporting Goods Manufacturing

Although the athletic and sporting goods manufacturing subsector was negatively impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic, revenues quickly rebounded as the economy reopened and people felt comfortable leaving their homes again. Furthermore, as consumers continue to adopt more health-conscious lifestyles as a form of preventative care, demand for athletic equipment will rise.

However, the US is expected to import more than 45% of its athletic and sporting goods this year, totaling $7.4 billion (Source: IBISWorld).

Demand for inexpensive athletic and sporting goods manufactured offshore continues to grow and remains a challenge that US producers need to be aware of. While many producers have diversified sourcing to countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia, China remains the dominant source, accounting for more than 50% of imported sporting goods (Source: IBISWorld). At the same time, ongoing tariffs and trade tensions create an opportunity for increased production and onshoring in the US.

The US is expected to generate approximately $1.5 billion in athletic and sporting goods exports this year, selling 35% to Canada and Mexico (Source: IBISWorld). While exports have grown modestly over the past five years, the subsector remains a substantial net importer, with a trade deficit of roughly $6.0 billion.

US companies should look to expand globally, as sports participation continues to grow worldwide and the dollar is expected to weaken. A weaker dollar can improve the competitiveness of US-made goods abroad and help manufacturers expand their international customer base. However, firms will need to navigate ongoing trade uncertainty and retaliatory tariffs that may offset some of these advantages.

National Parks and Other Nature Institutions

The national parks and other nature institutions subsector excludes state, regional, and local parks, historical sites, botanical gardens, and zoos.

The subsector is unique in that it profits only from on-site sales, including admission, concessions, and accommodations (apart from grants and donations). Additionally, operators are reliant on in-person employees.

This combination was lethal to some parks during the COVID-19 pandemic, when most people stayed home, and international travel was halted. Many operators had no choice but to close their establishments, and not all were able to reopen.

Some parks continue to face operational challenges due to staffing shortages and funding constraints. Budget pressures have forced some operators to reduce services, delay maintenance projects, or seek new revenue sources, such as implementing new fees, raising existing ones, expanding concessions, or offering additional visitor amenities and programs.

Things are looking up, however, as schools are once again able to go on field trips and as eco-tourism and environmental awareness rise. National parks recorded more than 331 million visitors in 2024, reflecting strong demand for outdoor experiences (Source: IBISWorld). Revenue is forecasted to grow at an annual rate of 1.1% over the next five years, reaching $1.7 billion by 2031 (Source: IBISWorld).

The number of domestic trips taken by US residents and inbound trips taken by foreign residents is also expected to increase, as is disposable income. This continued growth in tourism, driven by pent-up demand for travel and sightseeing and by increased discretionary income, is an opportunity for parks to capitalize on.

Campgrounds and RV Parks

The COVID-19 pandemic, while spurring a spike in recreational vehicle (RV) sales, led to a significant decline in visits to RV parks and campgrounds due to travel restrictions and stay-at-home orders. However, after restrictions were lifted, the pent-up demand for travel drove consumers back to campgrounds and RV parks, and demand remains supported by domestic travel and interest in outdoor recreation.

A couple of important related factors — demand for RV dealers, number of domestic trips, per capita disposable income, and the number of people over age 50 — are expected to increase in the coming years, boosting demand for RV parks and campgrounds. The growth of this subsector will continue to be influenced by fuel price trends, but revenue is forecast to rise from $11.3 billion to $12.4 billion over the next five years (Source: IBISWorld).

The demographics of people visiting RV parks and campgrounds are changing as remote work allows young people to camp, and operators are introducing Wi-Fi and other amenities to accommodate evolving consumer preferences. According to Kampgrounds of America’s 2026 Camping Report, 40% of campers were under age 35, and more than one-third of campers worked while on trips (Source: IBISWorld).

As a result, camping and “glamping” are becoming increasingly popular and possible. Hotels and vacation rentals provide competition, as online booking is convenient and amenities are often better. However, parks and campgrounds can offer amenities such as yurts and swimming areas, and many provide online booking to boost competitiveness.

An emerging opportunity in this subsector is the rise of RV and camping equipment rentals, which offer greater flexibility, lower prices, and the opportunity to try out a different lifestyle. Peer-to-peer rental platforms, like GeerGarage, are making camping more accessible to first-time campers and younger consumers, while allowing RV owners to earn income from unused equipment.

Campground and RV park operators should encourage these rental companies, which could help bring them more business.

Paths to Economic Success in Outdoor Recreation

Conservation is crucial to success in the Outdoor Recreation sector. In fact, a 2019 study found that increased land conservation in New England correlated with the growth in outdoor recreation jobs. However, protecting lands and waters from recreational development can be politically divisive. While development is often seen as bringing economic benefits to a region or community, some forms of outdoor recreation can still be quite disruptive to wildlife habitats. Therefore, it is important to have a state office dedicated to outdoor recreation to help develop policies and guidelines.

Starting with Utah in 2013, 25 states now have Offices of Outdoor Recreation (ORECs). These offices support economic development, conservation and stewardship projects, youth engagement, and other related initiatives.

Even if your state does not yet have an outdoor recreation office, the US Environmental Protection Agency offers planning assistance through the Recreation Economy for Rural Communities program. The program helps rural communities leverage their outdoor resources to grow their economies.

In 2025, the program provided assistance to 25 communities from Maine to California. The goals of these partnerships include creating trails and green spaces, improving public water access and signage, engaging underrepresented communities, and more.

Funding is also available from the US Economic Development Administration through the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), which provides a Rural Economic Development Toolkit and implementation grants. The ORR has already provided millions of dollars of funding to rural communities.

Success in Detroit

Detroit, MI, is just one of many cities and states working to bring communities back to nature, and it demonstrates that outdoor recreation is an important economic driver in both rural and urban areas.

The Dequindre Cut Greenway in Detroit is a two-mile recreational path in the city that welcomes bicyclists and pedestrians. Opened in May of 2009 through a partnership between the city, Rails to Trails, the GreenWays Initiative, and the Downtown Detroit Partnership, the Cut now hosts an art walk, bicycle rentals, seasonal food and drink pop-ups, bicycle and walking tours, and more.

Sites like the Dequindre Cut introduce people of all ages to outdoor recreation experiences for free and can improve community health and the area’s desirability.

Art at the Dequindre Cut Greenway in Detroit

The outdoor recreation economy is no longer in recovery mode — it has matured into one of the most significant and durable economic sectors in the country.

The BEA’s March 2026 data confirmed the sector:

• Has added $696.7 billion in value
• Represents 2.4% of the GDP
• Supported 5.2 million jobs in 2024

The sector has grown 36% in real terms since 2012. That growth has normalized after a post-pandemic surge, which means the communities that continue to benefit will be those with an intentional strategy, not just a great trail or ski area.

What Can Economic Developers Do to Support Their Outdoor Recreation Sector?

To support outdoor recreation growth, economic developers should:

• Identify whether their state has an OREC and, if so, engage with that office as a strategic partner for policy, programming, and funding.
• Work with policymakers to encourage conservation as an integrated component of economic development, not a barrier to it.
• Explore partnerships with the Recreation Economy for Rural Communities program or the ORR to develop local opportunities.
• Support local businesses and entrepreneurs within the outdoor recreation ecosystem through workforce development, access to capital, and market information.
• Create a targeted industry page on your economic development website highlighting the outdoor recreation economy with current data, local business resources, and available assistance programs.
• Attract companies that fill a gap in the outdoor recreation ecosystem. Here are some of the larger Outdoor Recreation trade shows that may be worth attending, depending on your community’s business attraction and expansion goals:
  • Great American Outdoor Show (fishing and hunting)
  • SHOT Show (fishing and hunting)
  • Outdoor Retailer Summer Trade Show (retail)
  • Outdoor Retailer Winter Trade Show (retail)
  • The Big Gear Show (retail)

Measure What You Have

One of the most valuable and underused tools available to communities and recreation organizations is economic impact analysis.

As the Outdoor Recreation sector has matured, funders and public officials increasingly expect applicants and grantees to demonstrate economic value in quantifiable terms, not just anecdotal ones.

An economic impact analysis documents the contribution of a recreation asset, organization, or event to the local or regional economy in terms of jobs, earnings, sales, and tax revenue. That documentation is useful across a range of situations, including:

• Competing for state and federal grants
• Building the case for capital investment
• Reporting outcomes to existing funders
• Generating infographic-ready content for public outreach.

Camoin Associates has used this approach with outdoor recreation organizations across the Northeast.

The Town of Poultney, VT, commissioned an analysis of four recreation assets, including Lake St. Catherine State Park and the Slate Valley Trails. The results of that analysis are being used to document grant outcomes and support future funding applications. Read more about that project.

Retreat Farm in Brattleboro, VT, used an economic impact analysis to support a US Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant application for a barn renovation, and was awarded $1.4 million through EDA’s American Rescue Plan Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation program. Read more about that project.

The Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission retained Camoin Associates to develop an outdoor recreation industry profile and strategy for the region, which included a comprehensive economic impact analysis to quantify the sector’s multiplier effect. That work produced an action plan to strengthen Outdoor Recreation as a target sector across the region. Read more about that project.

These opportunities help communities grow and document the outdoor recreation economy, which is not only good for economic output but also for the health and quality of life of every community it touches.

Learn about our outdoor recreation economic impact analysis services

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About the Authors

Jim Damicis is Senior Vice President at Camoin Associates. He has more than 30 years of experience using research and analysis to help professionals, communities, regions, states, and public and private organizations prepare for an emerging economic future. He has led a variety of projects at Camoin Associates, including local and regional economic development strategies, targeted industry analysis, workforce development, innovation economy, and evaluation and benchmarking. Jim is the former President of the Northeast Economic Development Association (NEDA) and has served in leadership roles for more than 10 years. He serves on the Federal Reserve of Boston’s New England Public Policy Advisory Committee and is an instructor for the International Economic Development Council’s (IEDC) annual strategic planning course. Jim is also a collaborator with Communities of the Future, focusing on economic transformation. He holds a Master of Public Policy and Administration degree from the Edmund S. Muskie School of Public Service at the University of Southern Maine and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Political Science from the University of Connecticut, Storrs.

Katherine Follansbee previously worked as a project manager at Camoin Associates and is currently a career coach at the University of Utah. She has Master of Science in Economics from the University of Maine and a background in economic research, data analysis, and project management. At Camoin Associates, she led and supported a wide variety of consulting projects that analyzed labor markets, industry dynamics, and regional economies. In her current role, she helps college students navigate labor markets, translate skills into careers, and understand how economic and industry trends shape opportunity.

Hannah Ransom is an Economic Data and Research Analyst at Camoin Associates. She holds a Master of Science in Applied Economics from Florida State University and a B.A. in economics from Ave Maria University. She has more than three years of professional experience in economic research, impact analysis, financial analysis, and strategic planning.

Rachel Selsky, AICP, is the CEO of Camoin Associates. She holds a Master of Regional Planning and a B.A. in urban studies and planning from the University of Albany and is certified by the American Planning Association (APA). Rachel has more than 15 years of experience developing regional economic strategies and economic and fiscal impact analyses for clients all over the country.