Outdoor Recreation Statistics 2026
This page collects 52 figures on outdoor recreation: its value to the economy, spending on boating, RVs, hunting and camping, how many people hike, cycle, camp and fish, visits to national parks, and walking, running and cycling in England. Most figures cover the United States, with comparison points from Canada and England. Sources include the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the Outdoor Industry Association, the National Sporting Goods Association, PeopleForBikes, the American Sportfishing Association, Kampgrounds of America, the RV Industry Association, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, Parks Canada, Sport England, Natural England and the UK Department for Transport. Most figures describe 2024 or 2025, and each one is labeled with the year it describes.
By the HearSmart research desk · Updated November 8, 2026 · 52 numbers drawn from 14 publishers and reports
Short answer
Outdoor recreation added $696.7 billion to U.S. GDP in 2024, 2.4% of the economy, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. A record 183.2 million Americans aged 6 and older took part in 2025, says the Outdoor Industry Association, though the average participant goes out five fewer times a year than in 2019. Hiking is the largest activity at 63.4 million participants in 2024, national parks recorded more than 323 million visits in 2025 (NPS), and in England 22.9 million adults walk for leisure (Sport England).
Headline numbers
- $696.7 billionOutdoor recreation added $696.7 billion to U.S. GDP in 2024, equal to 2.4% of the economy, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis.U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis
- 183.2 millionA record 183.2 million Americans aged 6 and older took part in outdoor recreation in 2025, 59% of that population, according to the Outdoor Industry Association.Outdoor Industry Association
- five fewer outingsThe average U.S. outdoor participant now takes five fewer outings per year than in 2019, according to the Outdoor Industry Association.Outdoor Industry Association
- 63.4 millionHiking reached a record 63.4 million U.S. participants in 2024, 20.5% of Americans aged 6 and older, according to the Outdoor Industry Association.Outdoor Industry Association
- 112 millionA record 112 million Americans, 35% of those aged 3 and older, rode a bike at least once in 2024, according to PeopleForBikes.PeopleForBikes
- 57 millionAbout 57 million Americans, roughly 18% of the population, went fishing in 2025, down from 57.9 million in 2024, according to the American Sportfishing Association.American Sportfishing Association
- 323,014,305The U.S. National Park Service recorded 323,014,305 recreation visits in 2025 across 406 reporting parks.National Park Service
- 22.9 millionAbout 22.9 million adults in England walked for leisure in the year to November 2025, the most popular activity, according to Sport England.Sport England
Reading the numbers
Outdoor recreation is a large and steady part of the U.S. economy. BEA puts its value added at $696.7 billion in 2024, or 2.4% of GDP, with real growth of 2.7%, in line with the economy as a whole. Most of that value does not come from gear or guided trips: supporting activities such as travel, local trips and construction make up 51.5%, and conventional activities 29.5%. Among those conventional activities, boating and fishing ($38.4 billion) and RVing ($27.5 billion) lead, and RV shipments rose 2.5% in 2025 to 342,220 units, according to the RV Industry Association.
More Americans are getting outside, but less often. The Outdoor Industry Association counted a record 183.2 million participants in 2025, 59% of people aged 6 and older, while growth slowed to 1.1% and the average participant took five fewer outings than in 2019. New participants are coming from groups that were less represented before: children aged 6 to 12, adults over 65, women and Hispanic Americans.
Hiking and cycling are the clearest growth stories. OIA counts 63.4 million hikers in 2024, more than 13 million added since 2019, and NSGA's separate study puts hiking at 57.7 million in 2025. PeopleForBikes found a record 112 million Americans rode a bike in 2024, with youth riding up sharply. Fishing is softer: the American Sportfishing Association counted 57 million anglers in 2025, down slightly, with a record 19 million dropping out, even though total outings rose to 918 million.
Public lands and everyday green space carry much of this activity. The National Park Service recorded 323 million visits in 2025, led by Great Smoky Mountains with 11.5 million. In England, Sport England reports that 64.6% of adults are active, walking for leisure involves 22.9 million adults and running is back above 7 million, while Natural England finds 68% of adults visited a green or natural space in the past two weeks. The Department for Transport shows cycling still makes up just 2% of trips in England, even as miles cycled rose 12% in 2024.
The economic value of outdoor recreation in the United States
- 1.
Outdoor recreation added $696.7 billion to U.S. GDP in 2024, equal to 2.4% of the economy, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Outdoor Recreation Economic Statistics, U.S. and States, 2024 (Mar 2026)
Exact wording at the source
data show the value added of the outdoor recreation economy accounted for 2.4 percent ($696.7 billion) of current-dollar gross domestic product (GDP) for the nation in 2024
- 2.
Inflation-adjusted GDP for the U.S. outdoor recreation economy grew 2.7% in 2024, slightly below the 2.8% growth of the overall economy, according to BEA.
U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Outdoor Recreation Economic Statistics, U.S. and States, 2024 (Mar 2026)
Exact wording at the source
Inflation-adjusted (“real”) 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
- 3.
Outdoor recreation employment in the United States rose 1.1% in 2024, while compensation rose 5.2%, according to BEA.
U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Outdoor Recreation Economic Statistics, U.S. and States, 2024 (Mar 2026)
Exact wording at the source
Outdoor recreation compensation increased 5.2 percent, and employment increased 1.1 percent (national table 9).
- 4.
Outdoor recreation made up 6.1% of state GDP in Hawaii in 2024, the highest share of any state, against 1.0% in the District of Columbia, according to BEA.
U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Outdoor Recreation Economic Statistics, U.S. and States, 2024 (Mar 2026)
Exact wording at the source
Across states and the District of Columbia, value added for outdoor recreation as a share of state GDP ranged from 6.1 percent in Hawaii to 1.0 percent in the District of Columbia (state table 1).
- 5.
Supporting activities such as travel, local trips and construction made up 51.5% of U.S. outdoor recreation value added in 2024, according to BEA.
U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Outdoor Recreation Economic Statistics, U.S. and States, 2024 (Mar 2026)
Exact wording at the source
Supporting activities accounted for the remaining 51.5 percent of value added in 2024, compared with 51.2 percent in 2023.
- 6.
Retail trade contributed $169.1 billion, or 24.3%, of U.S. outdoor recreation value added in 2024, according to BEA.
U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Outdoor Recreation Economic Statistics, U.S. and States, 2024 (Mar 2026)
Exact wording at the source
Retail trade was the second-largest industry group for the nation, at $169.1 billion, or 24.3 percent of value added, and was the largest industry group in 24 states.
Chart
Share of U.S. outdoor recreation value added by type, 2024
United States, current-dollar value added, 2024. Supporting activities include travel, local trips, construction and government spending.
- Supporting activities51.5%
- Conventional outdoor recreation29.5%
- Other outdoor recreation19%
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Outdoor Recreation Economic Statistics, U.S. and States, 2024
Spending by activity: boating, RVs, hunting and snow sports
- 7.
Boating and fishing was the largest conventional outdoor activity in the U.S. economy in 2024, at $38.4 billion in value added, according to BEA.
U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Outdoor Recreation Economic Statistics, U.S. and States, 2024 (Mar 2026)
Exact wording at the source
Boating/fishing was the largest conventional activity for the nation at $38.4 billion in current-dollar value added and was the largest conventional activity in 34 states.
- 8.
RVing added $27.5 billion to the U.S. economy in 2024, the second-largest conventional outdoor activity, according to BEA.
U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Outdoor Recreation Economic Statistics, U.S. and States, 2024 (Mar 2026)
Exact wording at the source
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.
- 9.
Hunting, shooting and trapping added $16.5 billion in U.S. value added in 2024, according to BEA.
U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Outdoor Recreation Economic Statistics, U.S. and States, 2024 (Mar 2026)
Exact wording at the source
Hunting/shooting/trapping was the third-largest conventional activity for the nation at $16.5 billion in current-dollar value added and was the largest conventional activity in Arizona and Wyoming.
- 10.
Snow activities added $7.6 billion to the U.S. economy in 2024 and were the largest conventional activity in Colorado, New Hampshire, Utah and Vermont, according to BEA.
U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Outdoor Recreation Economic Statistics, U.S. and States, 2024 (Mar 2026)
Exact wording at the source
Snow activities for the nation was $7.6 billion in current-dollar value added and was the largest conventional activity in four states (Colorado, New Hampshire, Utah, and Vermont).
- 11.
U.S. RV manufacturers shipped 342,220 units in 2025, up 2.5% from 2024, according to the RV Industry Association.
RV Industry Association, RV Shipments End 2025 with 342,220 Units, Modest 2.5% Growth over 2024 (Jan 2026)
Exact wording at the source
For the 2025 year, RV shipment totaled 342,220 units, a 2.5% growth rate from last year’s total.
- 12.
Towable RVs accounted for 306,191 of the units shipped in 2025, against 36,029 motorhomes, according to the RV Industry Association.
RV Industry Association, RV Shipments End 2025 with 342,220 Units, Modest 2.5% Growth over 2024 (Jan 2026)
Exact wording at the source
For the year, Towable RVs finished at 306,191 units, up 2.5%, and Motorhomes totaled 36,029 up 3.3%.
- 13.
Americans spent an estimated $394 billion on equipment, travel, licenses and fees for fishing, hunting and wildlife-associated recreation in 2022, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This is the latest edition of the survey, which runs every five years.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, New Survey Shows Americans Spent $394 Billion Participating in Hunting, Fishing, and Wildlife-Associated Activities in 2022 (Oct 2023)
Exact wording at the source
In doing so, outdoor enthusiasts spent an estimated $394 billion on equipment, travel, licenses, and fees last year alone.
- 14.
Camping households in North America generated an estimated $66 billion economic footprint in 2025, according to Kampgrounds of America.
Kampgrounds of America, Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report (2026)
Exact wording at the source
These campers are driving a $66 billion economic footprint while prioritizing wellness, connection, and meaningful experiences.
Who takes part in outdoor recreation in the United States
- 15.
A record 183.2 million Americans aged 6 and older took part in outdoor recreation in 2025, 59% of that population, according to the Outdoor Industry Association.
Outdoor Industry Association, 2026 Outdoor Participation Trends Report: Executive Summary (May 2026)
Exact wording at the source
Record participation reaching 183.2 million Americans —59% of those ages 6 and older—even as annual growth slows to 1.1%
- 16.
Growth in U.S. outdoor participation slowed to 1.1% in 2025, according to the Outdoor Industry Association.
Outdoor Industry Association, 2026 Outdoor Participation Trends Report: Executive Summary (May 2026)
Exact wording at the source
even as annual growth slows to 1.1%
- 17.
The average U.S. outdoor participant now takes five fewer outings per year than in 2019, according to the Outdoor Industry Association.
Outdoor Industry Association, 2026 Outdoor Participation Trends Report: Executive Summary (May 2026)
Exact wording at the source
the average participant now takes five fewer outings per year than in 2019, signaling a shift toward more casual engagement
- 18.
Americans aged 65 and older added 800,000 outdoor participants in a single year, and 12.1 million since 2016, according to the Outdoor Industry Association.
Outdoor Industry Association, 2026 Outdoor Participation Trends Report: Executive Summary (May 2026)
Exact wording at the source
A surge among seniors, with the 65+ group adding 800,000 participants in a single year and 12.1 million since 2016
- 19.
Outdoor participation among U.S. children aged 6 to 12 rose 5% to 22.6 million in 2025, according to the Outdoor Industry Association.
Outdoor Industry Association, 2026 Outdoor Participation Trends Report: Executive Summary (May 2026)
Exact wording at the source
Strong momentum among kids ages 6 to 12 (+5% to 22.6 million)
- 20.
A record 53.4% of U.S. women took part in outdoor recreation in 2025, and Hispanic participation rose 6.5%, according to the Outdoor Industry Association.
Outdoor Industry Association, 2026 Outdoor Participation Trends Report: Executive Summary (May 2026)
Exact wording at the source
Growing diversity, led by a 6.5% rise in Hispanic participation and a record 53.4% participation rate among women
- 21.
The outdoor segment of NSGA's U.S. sports participation study grew 3.3% in 2025, according to the National Sporting Goods Association.
National Sporting Goods Association, NSGA's Annual Sports Participation Study Emphasizes Overall Growth (May 2026)
Exact wording at the source
The outdoor segment also showed an increase of 3.3%, led by hiking which reached a new total of 57.7 million participants.
- 22.
Participation rose in 49 of the 61 sports and activities NSGA tracks in 2025 compared with 2024, according to the National Sporting Goods Association.
National Sporting Goods Association, NSGA's Annual Sports Participation Study Emphasizes Overall Growth (May 2026)
Exact wording at the source
Most sports/activities tracked (49 of 61) experienced increases in participation for 2025 compared to the previous year (2024).
Hiking, cycling, camping and fishing
- 23.
Hiking reached a record 63.4 million U.S. participants in 2024, 20.5% of Americans aged 6 and older, according to the Outdoor Industry Association.
Outdoor Industry Association, 2026 Hiking Report: Executive Summary (2026)
Exact wording at the source
Record participation of 63.4 million hikers in 2024 , or 20.5% of Americans ages 6 and older, nearly double the number in 2012
- 24.
The United States added more than 13 million new hikers between 2019 and 2024, with growth in every year, according to the Outdoor Industry Association.
Outdoor Industry Association, 2026 Hiking Report: Executive Summary (2026)
Exact wording at the source
While most outdoor activities spiked during the pandemic and then fell back, hiking has grown every year since 2019, adding more than 13 million new hikers and turning more of them into regular participants.
- 25.
About 16.7 million Americans hiked 13 or more times a year in 2024, according to the Outdoor Industry Association.
Outdoor Industry Association, 2026 Hiking Report: Executive Summary (2026)
Exact wording at the source
A deepening core of committed hikers, with 16.7 million people hiking 13 or more times a year and the share of frequent hikers on the rise
- 26.
Hiking reached 57.7 million U.S. participants in 2025 in NSGA's separate participation study, according to the National Sporting Goods Association.
National Sporting Goods Association, NSGA's Annual Sports Participation Study Emphasizes Overall Growth (May 2026)
Exact wording at the source
The outdoor segment also showed an increase of 3.3%, led by hiking which reached a new total of 57.7 million participants.
- 27.
A record 112 million Americans, 35% of those aged 3 and older, rode a bike at least once in 2024, according to PeopleForBikes.
PeopleForBikes, More Americans Rode a Bike Than Ever Before in 2024 (Apr 2025)
Exact wording at the source
A record 112 million Americans — 35% of those ages 3 and older — rode a bike at least once in 2024.
- 28.
Bike riding among U.S. youth aged 3 to 17 rose from 49% to 56% between the 2022 and 2024 studies, according to PeopleForBikes.
PeopleForBikes, More Americans Rode a Bike Than Ever Before in 2024 (Apr 2025)
Exact wording at the source
In even better news, youth participation (ages 3 to 17) in bicycling increased from 49% to 56% since the last study, reversing a steady decline in youth ridership since 2018.
- 29.
More than 52 million North American households camped in 2025, above pre-pandemic levels, according to Kampgrounds of America.
Kampgrounds of America, Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report (2026)
Exact wording at the source
over 52 million North American households camped in 2025, exceeding pre-pandemic participation levels
- 30.
About 57 million Americans, roughly 18% of the population, went fishing in 2025, down from 57.9 million in 2024, according to the American Sportfishing Association.
American Sportfishing Association, Concerns around churn, fishing participation persist while long term trends remain positive (Jul 2026)
Exact wording at the source
In total, 57 million Americans, roughly 18% of the U.S. population, went fishing in 2025.
- 31.
About 19 million people stopped fishing in 2025, the highest churn on record, according to the American Sportfishing Association.
American Sportfishing Association, Concerns around churn, fishing participation persist while long term trends remain positive (Jul 2026)
Exact wording at the source
keeping anglers engaged in fishing continues to be a struggle, with 19 million people dropping from the sport in 2025 – the highest rate of ‘churn’ on record.
- 32.
Total U.S. fishing outings rose 3% to 918 million in 2025, according to the American Sportfishing Association.
American Sportfishing Association, Concerns around churn, fishing participation persist while long term trends remain positive (Jul 2026)
Exact wording at the source
Total fishing outings grew by 3 percent to 918 million in 2025.
- 33.
Saltwater fishing reached a record 15.5 million U.S. participants in 2025, the fourth record high in a row, according to the American Sportfishing Association.
American Sportfishing Association, Concerns around churn, fishing participation persist while long term trends remain positive (Jul 2026)
Exact wording at the source
Saltwater fishing reached a record 15.5 million, up 400,000 from the year prior and the fourth consecutive record high.
- 34.
About 6.3 million Americans tried fishing for the first time in 2025, 11% of all participants, according to the American Sportfishing Association.
American Sportfishing Association, Concerns around churn, fishing participation persist while long term trends remain positive (Jul 2026)
Exact wording at the source
6.3 million Americans tried fishing for the first time in 2025, representing 11 percent of total participants, up from 9 percent in 2024.
- 35.
About 148 million U.S. residents watched wildlife in 2022, while 40 million went fishing and 14.4 million hunted, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This is the most recent national survey.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, New Survey Shows Americans Spent $394 Billion Participating in Hunting, Fishing, and Wildlife-Associated Activities in 2022 (Oct 2023)
Exact wording at the source
finds that 148 million U.S. residents watched wildlife in 2022 while 40 million went fishing and 14.4 million hunted.
National parks and public lands
- 36.
The U.S. National Park Service recorded 323,014,305 recreation visits in 2025 across 406 reporting parks.
National Park Service, Public Interest in National Parks Remains Strong as Visits Top 323 Million in 2025 (Mar 2026)
Exact wording at the source
323,014,305 recreation visits (406 parks report visitation figures)
- 37.
National park visitors in the United States spent 1,386,749,187 recreation visitor hours in parks in 2025, according to the National Park Service.
National Park Service, Public Interest in National Parks Remains Strong as Visits Top 323 Million in 2025 (Mar 2026)
Exact wording at the source
1,386,749,187 recreation visitor hours
- 38.
U.S. national parks recorded over 13 million overnight stays in 2025, and 26 parks set visitation records, according to the National Park Service.
National Park Service, Public Interest in National Parks Remains Strong as Visits Top 323 Million in 2025 (Mar 2026)
Exact wording at the source
The National Park Service today announced it recorded more than 323 million recreation visits in 2025, including over 13 million overnight stays, with 26 parks setting new visitation records.
- 39.
Great Smoky Mountains was the most visited U.S. national park in 2025, with 11,527,939 recreation visits, according to the National Park Service.
National Park Service, Public Interest in National Parks Remains Strong as Visits Top 323 Million in 2025 (Mar 2026)
Exact wording at the source
Top 10 - National Parks Great Smoky Mountains NP 11,527,939
- 40.
Blue Ridge Parkway was the most visited site in the U.S. national park system in 2025, with 16,533,753 visits, according to the National Park Service.
National Park Service, Public Interest in National Parks Remains Strong as Visits Top 323 Million in 2025 (Mar 2026)
Exact wording at the source
Top 10 - All Sites in the National Park System Blue Ridge PKWY 16,533,753
- 41.
Places run by Parks Canada received 23.2 million visitors in fiscal 2024-25, down from 23.7 million the year before, according to Parks Canada.
Parks Canada, Parks Canada's 2024-25 Departmental results report (2025)
Exact wording at the source
Actual result: 2022–23: 22.5 million 2023–24: 23.7 million 2024–25: 23.2 million
Chart
Most visited U.S. national parks, 2025 (millions of recreation visits)
National parks only (not parkways or recreation areas), calendar year 2025, rounded to two decimals.
- Great Smoky Mountains11.5
- Zion4.98
- Yellowstone4.76
- Grand Canyon4.43
- Yosemite4.28
Source: National Park Service, Public Interest in National Parks Remains Strong as Visits Top 323 Million in 2025
Walking, running and cycling in England
- 42.
64.6% of adults in England were active, doing at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week, in the year to November 2025, the highest since the survey began in 2015, according to Sport England.
Sport England, Active Lives Adult Survey November 2024-25 report (Apr 2026)
Exact wording at the source
The line ends on a high with the value of 64.6% on screen, indicating the percentage of adults in England who are active.
- 43.
About 22.9 million adults in England walked for leisure in the year to November 2025, the most popular activity, according to Sport England.
Sport England, Active Lives Adult Survey November 2024-25 report (Apr 2026)
Exact wording at the source
Walking for leisure remains the most popular activity, with around 22.9 million adults taking part, and participation has stabilised at this high level following strong long-term growth (+4.6 million since 2015–16).
- 44.
About 7.1 million adults in England ran in the year to November 2025, up by more than 500,000 on the previous year, according to Sport England.
Sport England, Active Lives Adult Survey November 2024-25 report (Apr 2026)
Exact wording at the source
Running is increasing, with around 7.1 million adults taking part, up by over 500,000 in the past year, continuing its post-pandemic recovery.
- 45.
About 6.1 million adults in England cycled for leisure in the year to November 2025, still below longer-term levels, according to Sport England.
Sport England, Active Lives Adult Survey November 2024-25 report (Apr 2026)
Exact wording at the source
Cycling for leisure appears to be stabilising, with around 6.1 million adults participating, slightly up on last year but still below longer-term levels.
- 46.
Around 16.2 million people in England walked or cycled for transport in the year to November 2025, according to Sport England.
Sport England, Active Lives Adult Survey November 2024-25 report (Apr 2026)
Exact wording at the source
Walking or cycling for transport remains steady at around 16.2 million people, broadly unchanged over the last year.
- 47.
68% of adults in England visited a green and natural space in the previous 14 days between April 2025 and March 2026, higher than any earlier year of the survey, according to Natural England.
Natural England, The People and Nature Surveys for England: Adults Year 6 annual report (April 2025 to March 2026) (2026)
Exact wording at the source
Over two in three (68%) adults had visited a green and natural space in the previous 14 days in Year 6.
- 48.
69% of adults in England said they visited green and natural spaces at least weekly in the 12 months to March 2026, according to Natural England.
Natural England, The People and Nature Surveys for England: Adults Year 6 annual report (April 2025 to March 2026) (2026)
Exact wording at the source
Daily (16%) and weekly (53%) visit frequency combined for Year 6 resulted in nearly seven in ten (69%) people stating that they visited at least weekly in the last 12 months.
- 49.
Urban green spaces such as parks were the most visited type of natural space in England in 2025-26, visited by 49% of adults, according to Natural England.
Natural England, The People and Nature Surveys for England: Adults Year 6 annual report (April 2025 to March 2026) (2026)
Exact wording at the source
In Year 6, urban green spaces (such as a park, field, or playground) were the most frequently visited green and natural spaces (by 49% of adults).
- 50.
People in England made 267 walking trips per person in 2024, similar to 2023, according to the Department for Transport.
UK Department for Transport, NTS 2024: Active travel (Aug 2025)
Exact wording at the source
In 2024, there were 267 walking trips per person, similar to the previous year, 339 walking stages per person a 4% increase compared to the previous year.
- 51.
People in England cycled an average of 53 miles each in 2024, 12% more than in 2023, across 15 cycling trips per person, according to the Department for Transport.
UK Department for Transport, NTS 2024: Active travel (Aug 2025)
Exact wording at the source
In 2024, people cycled an average of 53 miles per person, which was an increase of 12% compared to the previous year.
- 52.
Leisure was the most common purpose for cycling trips in England in 2024, at 41% of all trips, according to the Department for Transport.
UK Department for Transport, NTS 2024: Active travel (Aug 2025)
Exact wording at the source
The most common purpose for a cycling trip was for leisure with 41% of all cycling trips in 2024.
Chart
Purpose of cycling trips in England, 2024
National Travel Survey, England, share of all cycling trips in 2024.
- Leisure41%
- Commuting31%
- Shopping10%
- Education or escort education9%
Source: UK Department for Transport, NTS 2024: Active travel
Questions readers ask
- How much is outdoor recreation worth to the U.S. economy?
- The Bureau of Economic Analysis puts the value added of outdoor recreation at $696.7 billion in 2024, or 2.4% of U.S. GDP. Real output grew 2.7% that year and employment rose 1.1%.
- How many Americans take part in outdoor recreation?
- The Outdoor Industry Association counted a record 183.2 million Americans aged 6 and older in 2025, 59% of that population. Participants are going out less often, however, with five fewer outings per person per year than in 2019.
- What is the most popular outdoor activity in the United States?
- Hiking. The Outdoor Industry Association counted a record 63.4 million hikers in 2024, 20.5% of Americans aged 6 and older, and NSGA's study put hiking at 57.7 million participants in 2025.
- How many people visit U.S. national parks?
- The National Park Service recorded 323,014,305 recreation visits in 2025 across 406 reporting parks, with 26 parks setting records. Great Smoky Mountains was the most visited national park, with 11.5 million visits.
- How many people walk, run and cycle in England?
- Sport England's Active Lives survey for the year to November 2025 found about 22.9 million adults walking for leisure, 7.1 million running and 6.1 million cycling for leisure. The Department for Transport recorded 267 walking trips and 15 cycling trips per person in 2024.
Where these numbers come from
Figures come from official statistics (BEA, National Park Service, Parks Canada, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Sport England, Natural England, UK Department for Transport) and from surveys run by trade associations and companies (Outdoor Industry Association, NSGA, PeopleForBikes, American Sportfishing Association, KOA, RV Industry Association). Participation surveys use different activity lists, age ranges and definitions of taking part, so totals from OIA, NSGA and others should not be compared or added together. BEA value added is not the same as consumer spending, and the Fish and Wildlife Service survey dates from 2022 and uses a different method. Park visit counts record entries, not unique people. Each quote was copied from the source page and rechecked against it. We store the sentence each number appears in, and a script loads the publisher's page again to make sure that sentence is still there. Our methodology has the details.
Sources
- American Sportfishing Association. Concerns around churn, fishing participation persist while long term trends remain positive (Jul 2026).
- Kampgrounds of America. Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report (2026).
- National Park Service. Public Interest in National Parks Remains Strong as Visits Top 323 Million in 2025 (Mar 2026).
- National Sporting Goods Association. NSGA's Annual Sports Participation Study Emphasizes Overall Growth (May 2026).
- Natural England. The People and Nature Surveys for England: Adults Year 6 annual report (April 2025 to March 2026) (2026).
- Outdoor Industry Association. 2026 Outdoor Participation Trends Report: Executive Summary (May 2026).
- Outdoor Industry Association. 2026 Hiking Report: Executive Summary (2026).
- Parks Canada. Parks Canada's 2024-25 Departmental results report (2025).
- PeopleForBikes. More Americans Rode a Bike Than Ever Before in 2024 (Apr 2025).
- RV Industry Association. RV Shipments End 2025 with 342,220 Units, Modest 2.5% Growth over 2024 (Jan 2026).
- Sport England. Active Lives Adult Survey November 2024-25 report (Apr 2026).
- U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Outdoor Recreation Economic Statistics, U.S. and States, 2024 (Mar 2026).
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. New Survey Shows Americans Spent $394 Billion Participating in Hunting, Fishing, and Wildlife-Associated Activities in 2022 (Oct 2023).
- UK Department for Transport. NTS 2024: Active travel (Aug 2025).
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