During economic downturns or periods of high inflation, households often reduce nonessential spending to afford basic necessities. And with the consumer price index hitting 9.1% in mid-2022, the U.S. recently suffered through its worst cost-of-living crisis in decades. Some trends in discretionary spending, however, defied conventional wisdom.
Outdoor recreation generated $563.7 billion in economic output in 2022, a 15% increase from 2021 and up nearly 50% from 2020, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Though the economic impact of outdoor recreation includes support industries, such as lodging, transportation, and government spending, it is primarily driven by consumer demand for a wide range of activities. These include, but are not limited to, skiing, boating, RVing, bicycling, hunting, fishing, climbing, hiking, and field sports.
With 250 million acres of public land, over 400 national parks, and 95,471 miles of shoreline, there is no shortage of opportunities for outdoor recreation in the United States. In many parts of the country, outdoor lifestyles are central to both the local identity and economy.
Using data from the BEA, 24/7 Wall St. identified the state economies that depend the most on outdoor recreation. We ranked all 50 states on the share of gross domestic product generated by outdoor recreation in 2022.
In all but a handful of states, outdoor recreation added billions of dollars in economic value in 2022 and accounted for over 2% of annual GDP in most cases.
Several of the highest ranking states on this list, such as Florida, are notable for their coastline and are popular destinations for kayaking, sailing, fishing, and other watersports. Many other high-ranking states, including Montana, Vermont, and Wyoming, feature mountain ranges and vast forests, popular for hunting, hiking, camping, and skiing. In others, like Alaska and Maine, residents and visitors have access to both mountains and coastline. (Here is a look at the highest point in every state.)
It is important to note that many of the lower ranking states on this list, such as California, New York, and Texas, have outdoor recreation industries that generate tens of billions of dollars each year. However, their contribution to overall GDP is lower than average, partially because of the outsized economic impact of other major industries. (Here is a look at the most breathtaking natural marvel in each state.)
Here are the state economies most dependent on outdoor recreation.
50. Connecticut
Source: DenisTangneyJr / E+ via Getty Images
- > Outdoor recreation share of GDP: 1.4%
- > Total outdoor recreation GDP: $4.6 billion (19th lowest of 50 states)
- > Largest outdoor recreation activities by GDP: Boating & fishing, game areas (including golf and tennis), RVing
49. Delaware
Source: DenisTangneyJr / iStock via Getty Images
- > Outdoor recreation share of GDP: 1.5%
- > Total outdoor recreation GDP: $1.3 billion (the lowest of 50 states)
- > Largest outdoor recreation activities by GDP: Boating & fishing, RVing, game areas (including golf and tennis)
48. New York
Source: Eloi_Omella / E+ via Getty Images
- > Outdoor recreation share of GDP: 1.5%
- > Total outdoor recreation GDP: $31.2 billion (4th highest of 50 states)
- > Largest outdoor recreation activities by GDP: Festivals, sporting events, and concerts, boating & fishing, RVing
47. Nebraska
Source: Davel5957 / iStock via Getty Images
- > Outdoor recreation share of GDP: 1.7%
- > Total outdoor recreation GDP: $2.8 billion (10th lowest of 50 states)
- > Largest outdoor recreation activities by GDP: Boating & fishing, game areas (including golf and tennis), RVing
46. New Jersey
Source: SeanPavonePhoto / iStock via Getty Images
- > Outdoor recreation share of GDP: 1.7%
- > Total outdoor recreation GDP: $12.6 billion (13th highest of 50 states)
- > Largest outdoor recreation activities by GDP: Boating & fishing, game areas (including golf and tennis), festivals, sporting events, and concerts
45. West Virginia
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
- > Outdoor recreation share of GDP: 1.7%
- > Total outdoor recreation GDP: $1.6 billion (3rd lowest of 50 states)
- > Largest outdoor recreation activities by GDP: RVing, boating & fishing, game areas (including golf and tennis)
44. Massachusetts
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
- > Outdoor recreation share of GDP: 1.7%
- > Total outdoor recreation GDP: $11.8 billion (16th highest of 50 states)
- > Largest outdoor recreation activities by GDP: Game areas (including golf and tennis), boating & fishing, festivals, sporting events, and concerts
43. Virginia
Source: ferrantraite / E+ via Getty Images
- > Outdoor recreation share of GDP: 1.7%
- > Total outdoor recreation GDP: $11.3 billion (19th highest of 50 states)
- > Largest outdoor recreation activities by GDP: Boating & fishing, game areas (including golf and tennis), RVing
42. Maryland
Source: Kruck20 / iStock via Getty Images
- > Outdoor recreation share of GDP: 1.7%
- > Total outdoor recreation GDP: $8.3 billion (22nd highest of 50 states)
- > Largest outdoor recreation activities by GDP: Boating & fishing, game areas (including golf and tennis), festivals, sporting events, and concerts
41. North Dakota
Source: DenisTangneyJr / iStock via Getty Images
- > Outdoor recreation share of GDP: 1.8%
- > Total outdoor recreation GDP: $1.3 billion (2nd lowest of 50 states)
- > Largest outdoor recreation activities by GDP: RVing, boating & fishing, game areas (including golf and tennis)
40. Pennsylvania
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
- > Outdoor recreation share of GDP: 1.8%
- > Total outdoor recreation GDP: $16.9 billion (8th highest of 50 states)
- > Largest outdoor recreation activities by GDP: RVing, game areas (including golf and tennis), festivals, sporting events, and concerts
39. Oklahoma
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
- > Outdoor recreation share of GDP: 1.9%
- > Total outdoor recreation GDP: $4.5 billion (18th lowest of 50 states)
- > Largest outdoor recreation activities by GDP: RVing, boating & fishing, game areas (including golf and tennis)
38. Kansas
Source: Jacob Boomsma / iStock via Getty Images
- > Outdoor recreation share of GDP: 1.9%
- > Total outdoor recreation GDP: $3.9 billion (16th lowest of 50 states)
- > Largest outdoor recreation activities by GDP: Boating & fishing, RVing, game areas (including golf and tennis)
37. New Mexico
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
- > Outdoor recreation share of GDP: 1.9%
- > Total outdoor recreation GDP: $2.4 billion (8th lowest of 50 states)
- > Largest outdoor recreation activities by GDP: RVing, game areas (including golf and tennis), boating & fishing
36. Iowa
Source: pabradyphoto / iStock via Getty Images
- > Outdoor recreation share of GDP: 1.9%
- > Total outdoor recreation GDP: $4.6 billion (20th lowest of 50 states)
- > Largest outdoor recreation activities by GDP: RVing, boating & fishing, game areas (including golf and tennis)
35. Alabama
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
- > Outdoor recreation share of GDP: 2.0%
- > Total outdoor recreation GDP: $5.5 billion (22nd lowest of 50 states)
- > Largest outdoor recreation activities by GDP: RVing, boating & fishing, game areas (including golf and tennis)
34. Kentucky
Source: Davel5957 / iStock via Getty Images
- > Outdoor recreation share of GDP: 2.0%
- > Total outdoor recreation GDP: $5.1 billion (21st lowest of 50 states)
- > Largest outdoor recreation activities by GDP: RVing, boating & fishing, game areas (including golf and tennis)
33. Texas
Source: Kruck20 / iStock via Getty Images
- > Outdoor recreation share of GDP: 2.0%
- > Total outdoor recreation GDP: $47.6 billion (3rd highest of 50 states)
- > Largest outdoor recreation activities by GDP: RVing, boating & fishing, game areas (including golf and tennis)
32. Michigan
Source: Davel5957 / iStock Unreleased via Getty Images
- > Outdoor recreation share of GDP: 2.0%
- > Total outdoor recreation GDP: $12.4 billion (14th highest of 50 states)
- > Largest outdoor recreation activities by GDP: RVing, boating & fishing, game areas (including golf and tennis)
31. California
Source: Ryan Herron / E+ via Getty Images
- > Outdoor recreation share of GDP: 2.0%
- > Total outdoor recreation GDP: $73.8 billion (the highest of 50 states)
- > Largest outdoor recreation activities by GDP: Amusement parks & water parks, RVing, game areas (including golf and tennis)
30. North Carolina
Source: pawel.gaul / E+ via Getty Images
- > Outdoor recreation share of GDP: 2.0%
- > Total outdoor recreation GDP: $14.6 billion (11th highest of 50 states)
- > Largest outdoor recreation activities by GDP: Boating & fishing, game areas (including golf and tennis), festivals, sporting events, and concerts
29. Georgia
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
- > Outdoor recreation share of GDP: 2.1%
- > Total outdoor recreation GDP: $15.7 billion (10th highest of 50 states)
- > Largest outdoor recreation activities by GDP: Boating & fishing, RVing, game areas (including golf and tennis)
28. Ohio
Source: pawel.gaul / E+ via Getty Images
- > Outdoor recreation share of GDP: 2.1%
- > Total outdoor recreation GDP: $17.2 billion (7th highest of 50 states)
- > Largest outdoor recreation activities by GDP: RVing, game areas (including golf and tennis), boating & fishing
27. Illinois
Source: franckreporter / E+ via Getty Images
- > Outdoor recreation share of GDP: 2.1%
- > Total outdoor recreation GDP: $21.9 billion (5th highest of 50 states)
- > Largest outdoor recreation activities by GDP: Game areas (including golf and tennis), boating & fishing, festivals, sporting events, and concerts
26. Missouri
Source: f11photo / iStock via Getty Images
- > Outdoor recreation share of GDP: 2.2%
- > Total outdoor recreation GDP: $8.8 billion (21st highest of 50 states)
- > Largest outdoor recreation activities by GDP: Boating & fishing, RVing, festivals, sporting events, and concerts
25. Rhode Island
Source: SeanPavonePhoto / iStock via Getty Images
- > Outdoor recreation share of GDP: 2.3%
- > Total outdoor recreation GDP: $1.7 billion (4th lowest of 50 states)
- > Largest outdoor recreation activities by GDP: Boating & fishing, game areas (including golf and tennis), RVing
24. Mississippi
Source: SeanPavonePhoto / iStock via Getty Images
- > Outdoor recreation share of GDP: 2.4%
- > Total outdoor recreation GDP: $3.4 billion (14th lowest of 50 states)
- > Largest outdoor recreation activities by GDP: RVing, boating & fishing, game areas (including golf and tennis)
23. Tennessee
Source: f11photo / iStock via Getty Images
- > Outdoor recreation share of GDP: 2.4%
- > Total outdoor recreation GDP: $11.9 billion (15th highest of 50 states)
- > Largest outdoor recreation activities by GDP: Boating & fishing, festivals, sporting events, and concerts, RVing
22. Arizona
Source: dszc / E+ via Getty Images
- > Outdoor recreation share of GDP: 2.5%
- > Total outdoor recreation GDP: $11.7 billion (17th highest of 50 states)
- > Largest outdoor recreation activities by GDP: RVing, game areas (including golf and tennis), boating & fishing
21. Wisconsin
Source: warrenlemay / Flickr
- > Outdoor recreation share of GDP: 2.5%
- > Total outdoor recreation GDP: $9.8 billion (20th highest of 50 states)
- > Largest outdoor recreation activities by GDP: Boating & fishing, RVing, game areas (including golf and tennis)
20. Arkansas
Source: DenisTangneyJr / iStock via Getty Images
- > Outdoor recreation share of GDP: 2.5%
- > Total outdoor recreation GDP: $4.1 billion (17th lowest of 50 states)
- > Largest outdoor recreation activities by GDP: Boating & fishing, RVing, game areas (including golf and tennis)
19. South Dakota
Source: Jacob Boomsma / iStock via Getty Images
- > Outdoor recreation share of GDP: 2.5%
- > Total outdoor recreation GDP: $1.7 billion (5th lowest of 50 states)
- > Largest outdoor recreation activities by GDP: RVing, boating & fishing, game areas (including golf and tennis)
18. Oregon
Source: jbentley09 / iStock via Getty Images
- > Outdoor recreation share of GDP: 2.5%
- > Total outdoor recreation GDP: $7.5 billion (25th lowest of 50 states)
- > Largest outdoor recreation activities by GDP: RVing, boating & fishing, game areas (including golf and tennis)
17. South Carolina
Source: SeanPavonePhoto / iStock via Getty Images
- > Outdoor recreation share of GDP: 2.6%
- > Total outdoor recreation GDP: $7.6 billion (25th highest of 50 states)
- > Largest outdoor recreation activities by GDP: Boating & fishing, RVing, game areas (including golf and tennis)
16. Minnesota
Source: Aerial_Views / E+ via Getty Images
- > Outdoor recreation share of GDP: 2.6%
- > Total outdoor recreation GDP: $11.7 billion (18th highest of 50 states)
- > Largest outdoor recreation activities by GDP: Boating & fishing, RVing, game areas (including golf and tennis)
15. Louisiana
Source: f11photo / iStock via Getty Images
- > Outdoor recreation share of GDP: 2.7%
- > Total outdoor recreation GDP: $7.9 billion (24th highest of 50 states)
- > Largest outdoor recreation activities by GDP: Boating & fishing, RVing, festivals, sporting events, and concerts
14. Washington
Source: wonderlane / Flickr
- > Outdoor recreation share of GDP: 2.7%
- > Total outdoor recreation GDP: $20.0 billion (6th highest of 50 states)
- > Largest outdoor recreation activities by GDP: Boating & fishing, RVing, game areas (including golf and tennis)
13. Nevada
Source: f11photo / iStock via Getty Images
- > Outdoor recreation share of GDP: 2.7%
- > Total outdoor recreation GDP: $6.1 billion (24th lowest of 50 states)
- > Largest outdoor recreation activities by GDP: Festivals, sporting events, and concerts, RVing, game areas (including golf and tennis)
12. Colorado
Source: pawel.gaul / iStock via Getty Images
- > Outdoor recreation share of GDP: 2.8%
- > Total outdoor recreation GDP: $13.9 billion (12th highest of 50 states)
- > Largest outdoor recreation activities by GDP: Snow activities, RVing, boating & fishing
11. Idaho
Source: vkbhat / E+ via Getty Images
- > Outdoor recreation share of GDP: 3.1%
- > Total outdoor recreation GDP: $3.4 billion (15th lowest of 50 states)
- > Largest outdoor recreation activities by GDP: RVing, boating & fishing, game areas (including golf and tennis)
10. New Hampshire
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
- > Outdoor recreation share of GDP: 3.2%
- > Total outdoor recreation GDP: $3.3 billion (12th lowest of 50 states)
- > Largest outdoor recreation activities by GDP: RVing, snow activities, boating & fishing
9. Utah
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
- > Outdoor recreation share of GDP: 3.2%
- > Total outdoor recreation GDP: $8.1 billion (23rd highest of 50 states)
- > Largest outdoor recreation activities by GDP: Snow activities, RVing, boating & fishing
8. Indiana
Source: Ultima_Gaina / iStock via Getty Images
- > Outdoor recreation share of GDP: 3.4%
- > Total outdoor recreation GDP: $16.0 billion (9th highest of 50 states)
- > Largest outdoor recreation activities by GDP: RVing, boating & fishing, game areas (including golf and tennis)
7. Florida
Source: Kruck20 / iStock via Getty Images
- > Outdoor recreation share of GDP: 3.6%
- > Total outdoor recreation GDP: $52.4 billion (2nd highest of 50 states)
- > Largest outdoor recreation activities by GDP: Amusement parks & water parks, boating & fishing, RVing
6. Maine
Source: Ultima_Gaina / iStock via Getty Images
- > Outdoor recreation share of GDP: 3.9%
- > Total outdoor recreation GDP: $3.3 billion (13th lowest of 50 states)
- > Largest outdoor recreation activities by GDP: Boating & fishing, RVing, game areas (including golf and tennis)
5. Alaska
Source: Jacob Boomsma / iStock via Getty Images
- > Outdoor recreation share of GDP: 4.0%
- > Total outdoor recreation GDP: $2.6 billion (9th lowest of 50 states)
- > Largest outdoor recreation activities by GDP: Boating & fishing, RVing, snow activities
4. Wyoming
Source: DenisTangneyJr / E+ via Getty Images
- > Outdoor recreation share of GDP: 4.1%
- > Total outdoor recreation GDP: $2.0 billion (7th lowest of 50 states)
- > Largest outdoor recreation activities by GDP: RVing, snow activities, boating & fishing
3. Montana
Source: Jon Bilous / iStock via Getty Images
- > Outdoor recreation share of GDP: 4.3%
- > Total outdoor recreation GDP: $2.9 billion (11th lowest of 50 states)
- > Largest outdoor recreation activities by GDP: RVing, boating & fishing, game areas (including golf and tennis)
2. Vermont
Source: AlbertPego / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
- > Outdoor recreation share of GDP: 4.6%
- > Total outdoor recreation GDP: $1.9 billion (6th lowest of 50 states)
- > Largest outdoor recreation activities by GDP: Snow activities, RVing, game areas (including golf and tennis)
1. Hawaii
Source: okimo / iStock via Getty Images
- > Outdoor recreation share of GDP: 5.6%
- > Total outdoor recreation GDP: $5.7 billion (23rd lowest of 50 states)
- > Largest outdoor recreation activities by GDP: Game areas (including golf and tennis), boating & fishing, amusement parks & water parks
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