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Outdoor Participation Trends Report Provides Key Industry Insights

July 31, 2024  |  data analysis, demographic data, diversity outdoors, outdoor foundation, outdoor industry association, outdoor participation trends report, outdoor recreation participation, youth recreation
Three young people sit in grass with arms around each other

The latest Outdoor Participation Trends Report tells us that the majority of Americans are engaging in outdoor recreation. The report, which is published annually by the Outdoor Industry Association and the Outdoor Foundation, found that a record 175.8 million people participated in outdoor recreation in the U.S. in 2023, which is over 57% of Americans age six and older. 7.7 million people tried outdoor recreation activities for the first time in 2023, which is a growth rate of over 4% from the previous year. This data continues the trajectory of growth within outdoor recreation that began in 2016 and has only accelerated since. Two of the populations driving growth are women and older adults. Just over half of American women now say they engage in outdoor recreation and the participation rate for those 65 and older has increased 11.5% in recent years.

A child an adult look through binoculars

As outdoor recreation participants are getting older, it’s more important than ever to get a new generation excited about spending time outside. Young people have much to gain from outdoor recreation, including meaningful relationships, decreased stress and anxiety, and opportunities to play and explore. Further, young people have much to offer the outdoor industry. Youth bring new ideas and energy to shared challenges. For example, young people have higher rates of concern about climate change than older generations and are stepping into leadership roles when it comes to creating a more hopeful environmental future.

Two kids climb over moss covered rocks

The report noted that participants of color have also increased, but not at the same rate as overall participation growth. Outdoor recreation in the U.S. continues to lack representative racial diversity with almost 70% of participants in 2023 identifying as white. This data is even more exaggerated when you look at core participants, those who engage in outdoor recreation regularly. 74% of participants in this group are white. First and foremost, the slow growth in racial diversity means we have more work to do to ensure that all Americans feel welcome and safe in outdoor spaces. This requires intentional, long-term efforts from across the outdoor industry.

A young person sits in the ocean on a surf board

At NRF, we find hope in the amazing work grantees are doing to diversify the outdoors. Many of our grantee organizations are dedicated not just to bringing kids of color into outdoor spaces, but doing the work to ensure that staff and program design are supporting the specific needs and goals of the young people with whom they work. This focus on culturally responsive programming and representative leadership aims to develop lifelong enjoyment of nature rather than simply facilitating a single outdoor experience.  

An adult and three kids smile from inside a tent

Another interesting trend in the report was a change in participation frequency. Although the number of people participating in outdoor recreation has increased, the frequency of participation has fallen. Over the past ten years, the average number of outings per year has dropped from 84 to 62.5. Similarly, the number of core, or frequent, participants is dropping both as a total number and as a percentage of overall participants. The most popular outdoor activities by participation were biking, car, backyard, and RV camping, running, fishing, and day hiking. These activities are largely more accessible in terms of time, gear, and financial input than more intensive sports like rock climbing or skiing.

Two kids smile while sitting on a slide together

These trends demonstrate a growing desire to spend time outside more casually. Many casual participants began engaging in outdoor recreation in 2020 and have continued to spend time outside since. Further, participants who fell into the casual participant category were more likely to be women, youth or seniors, and people of color than those in the core participant category. Casual outdoor participation represents an important opportunity for outdoor recreation organizations. Many people don’t feel the need to be elite outdoor athletes or spend every day outdoors, but they do feel called to the outdoors to spend time with loved ones, connect with nature, and support their own mental health. NRF grantees are creating pathways to these outcomes for so many young people around the country, and we’re proud to support their work.