Where is the future of the outdoor industry heading?

Outdoor recreation, including hunting, fishing, camping, RVing, and overlanding, plays a substantial role in shaping the U.S. economy, not only in terms of direct spending but also in broader economic benefits like job creation, tourism, and the sale of related equipment. These activities collectively contributed $862 billion to the U.S. economy in 2022 and represented around 3% of GDP, supporting over 4.5 million jobs across the nation​ BEA U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Hunting and Fishing: A Traditional Economic Powerhouse

Hunting and fishing have long been among the most economically significant outdoor activities in the U.S. In 2022, 40 million people participated in fishing, and 14.4 million went hunting​ U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Combined, these activities generated $394 billion in spending, a reflection of their deep-rooted popularity. Spending covered a range of expenses, including gear, licenses, transportation, and accommodation, showing the full scope of how these activities impact local and national economies.

 

A significant trend in recent years is the growing interest in conservation and sustainable practices among hunters and fishers. Conservation groups, often supported by hunting and fishing communities, actively reinvest in habitats, ensuring the longevity of these ecosystems and the species that depend on them. Many states, especially in the Midwest and South, continue to benefit from hunting and fishing tourism, with visitors traveling to participate in seasonal events or explore well-known fishing grounds​ BEA U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Camping and RVing: A New Era of Adventure

Camping and RVing have seen a dramatic rise in popularity, especially since the pandemic, as more Americans seek outdoor adventures and family-friendly vacations. In 2022, camping accounted for a significant portion of the outdoor recreation industry's growth. According to KOA's North American Camping Report, 93.8 million households in the U.S. identified as campers in 2022, a number that continues to rise. The growth is fueled by a desire for accessible, budget-friendly vacation options and a stronger connection with nature.

RVing, specifically, is on an upward trajectory. RV sales hit record highs in recent years, with nearly 600,000 RVs sold in 2021 alone. The pandemic spurred this boom, but even as restrictions eased, RVing remains a popular choice for both long-term travelers and weekend adventurers​ BEA

States like Arizona, Florida, and California, with their diverse landscapes and RV-friendly infrastructure, are leading in terms of RV tourism, benefiting from the influx of RV enthusiasts.

 

Overlanding: A Rising Trend in Adventure Travel

Overlanding, the vehicle-based form of adventure travel, is a rapidly growing segment in the outdoor recreation market. Unlike traditional camping or RVing, overlanding emphasizes self-reliance, off-grid travel, and exploration of remote destinations. While hard data is still emerging, the rise in overlanding can be observed in the explosion of overland-specific gear sales, events like the Overland Expo, and the proliferation of overland-related content on social media platforms.

Companies catering to this community, offering rugged vehicles, custom gear, and tech products, have flourished, adding to the economic impact of outdoor recreation. Major players like Toyota's Tacoma and Jeep's Gladiator models are favorites in the overland community, driving vehicle sales and customization trends​BEA 

Overlanding enthusiasts tend to travel far and wide, bringing economic benefits to rural and less-frequented areas, providing a boost to local tourism in remote regions.

Wildlife Watching and Conservation

Wildlife watching continues to grow as one of the most popular forms of outdoor recreation. In 2022, 148 million Americans participated in wildlife viewing activities​U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

This includes bird watching, visiting national parks, and enjoying wildlife from home. Unlike hunting or fishing, wildlife watchers generally focus on conservation and the preservation of natural habitats, making them key stakeholders in protecting public lands and ecosystems.

 

As environmental awareness increases, wildlife watching and ecotourism are emerging as critical sectors within the outdoor economy. This trend is also supported by the expansion of digital tools and social media, where enthusiasts can share their experiences and insights with a global audience, further promoting sustainable travel and conservation efforts.

The Future of Outdoor Recreation

As the outdoor recreation economy continues to evolve, several trends are worth noting:

• Technology Integration: From mobile apps to smart camping gear, technology is revolutionizing outdoor activities. GPS tracking, drone usage, and specialized apps are enhancing experiences for overlanders, campers, and wildlife watchers.
• Sustainability: Consumers are increasingly seeking eco-friendly gear and experiences. Whether it's through the use of renewable energy in RVs or eco-conscious brands producing overlanding gear, sustainability is shaping the future of outdoor activities.
• Diversification of Activities: More Americans are engaging in multiple types of outdoor recreation. It’s common for someone who fishes to also camp, hike, or overland. This trend is driving cross-industry growth and collaboration among brands.

Outdoor recreation will likely continue to be a crucial economic engine in the U.S., contributing to both local economies and national GDP, while also providing health, wellness, and environmental benefits.

As we look toward the future, the outdoor industry must balance growing participation with sustainability and conservation efforts, ensuring that public lands and natural habitats continue to thrive for generations to come.