The draw of the great outdoors has never been stronger.
According to the latest data from the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), outdoor recreation participation has surged to unprecedented levels, with over 175 million Americans diving into activities ranging from hiking and biking to camping and fishing. This remarkable growth highlights a transformative shift in how people are spending their leisure time, embracing nature and the myriad benefits it offers.
The Outdoor Participation Trends Report, which was released last week, reveals a significant 4.1% increase in outdoor recreation participants, bringing the total to 175.8 million, or 57.3% of the U.S. population aged six and older.
This uptick is not just in numbers but also in diversity, with more women, people of color, and seniors joining the ranks of outdoor enthusiasts. The numbers reflect a broader, more inclusive outdoor community, which is a great sign for many reasons, and one embraced by the industry as it points to continued growth.
As Kent Ebersole, President of OIA, stated, "Understanding the evolving consumer base and how they choose to spend their time outdoors is essential knowledge for any business that wants to succeed in today’s competitive marketplace."
However, while the number of participants has grown, the report does notes a decline in the frequency of outings. The average number of outings per participant fell by 11.4%, from 70.5 in 2022 to 62.5 in 2023. This suggests that while more people are discovering the outdoors, they are engaging less frequently than before.
For more detailed insights, you can access the full Outdoor Participation Trends Report here.
