The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), of the U.S. Department of Commerce, released National and State economic data for 2023, revealing that Outdoor Recreation, including the Outdoor Hospitality sector, continues to be a major driver of the U.S. economy, jobs, and local communities. “The Outdoor Hospitality Industry, (OHI), private RV parks, campgrounds, and Glamping Resorts, play a vital and growing role in the outdoor recreation economy. This is clear in this latest BEA data,” said Paul Bambei, President and CEO of OHI. “Camping is often the catalyst for other outdoor recreation activities, including fishing, boating, hiking, biking, and many more. “And a growing number of younger generations, families and diverse campers are creating lasting memories together while on these adventures.
Campers are spending an average of $50 per person, per day in communities where they are camping, which helps fuel economic growth locally and nationwide.” This government data shows outdoor recreation generated $1.2 trillion in economic output, included 2.3% of U.S. GDP, and supported 5 million jobs — 3.1% of all employees in the country. According to revised data in this year’s release from the BEA, the outdoor recreation economy has grown 36% in real terms since 2012. These figures reveal that the outdoor recreation economy contributes more to the U.S. economy than farming, mining, and utilities.
Specifically, RVing and camping was the second-largest conventional activity for the nation at $26.3 billion in current-dollar value. Added and was the largest conventional activity in 11 states. The states with the largest contributions were Indiana ($4.7 billion), Texas ($2.5 billion), and California ($2.0 billion).
