According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the Outdoor Recreation industry shattered records in the last few years. The official numbers document a big increase in outdoor recreation activity. It’s a big development in the world of recreation and one that will please RV owners everywhere.
$1.3 Trillion Outdoor Recreation Output
5.2 million people are a part of the outdoor recreation world, including RV owners who create their own epic adventures every year. The Bureau of Economic Analysis is the agency that delivered the good news. They’ve been tracking Outdoor Recreation spending since 2017, but their analysis goes back to 2012. The growth shown during that time showcases just how fun it is to adventure outdoors.
States like Colorado are a big part of Outdoor Recreation. This pastime accounts for $18.1 billion in economic activity in that state in 2024 alone. They’re the 10th biggest outdoor recreation in the United States. Colorado’s head of the Colorado Outdoor Recreation office said that recreation “is not only central to our way of life, but it’s also a powerful and growing economic engine.”
Outdoor recreation also accounts for a large part of our workforce in America. The industry accounts for over 404,000 jobs in Colorado alone. Nationwide, outdoor recreation had a record year in 2024, adding $1.257 trillion to gross economic output and setting a record for the industry. It’s great news all around for adventurers, workers, and our country.
Monika Geraci, spokesperson for the RVIA, said this growth wasn’t a surprise to her at all. RVing itself has a huge part in the outdoor recreation industry and contributed $27.45 billion in “value-added funds to the national economy.” Jessica Turner, Outdoor Recreation Roundtable President, added that “Today is what we call our industry’s Christmas Day. When we get this BEA data that showcases outdoor recreation’s powerful and positive impact on the U.S. economy.”
With so much growth in outdoor recreation, you can expect to see more RVs than ever on their way to their next adventure. It’s only one segment of the industry, but it leads to quality adventure in the great outdoors.
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Are you an active member of outdoor recreation? You’re making it the biggest ever. Contact us to learn more about why so many people like you are outdoor adventuring more than ever.
