OUTDOOR RECREATION
From the rugged trails of the Ozark Mountains to the serene waters of its lakes and rivers, Arkansas offers an outdoor enthusiast's paradise for hiking, fishing, kayaking, and camping, all amidst stunning scenic landscapes.
Introduction
The outdoor recreation economy in Arkansas grew a stunning 23% from 2020 to 2021, according to the BEA Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account. This year’s report shows that outdoor recreation creates $3.5 billion in value added for Arkansas, accounts for 2.4% of Arkansas’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and includes 39,929 jobs. This is the largest recorded measure for Arkansas since the BEA started calculating the size of the outdoor recreation economy in 2012.
For More Information on Arkansas Rice, please visit the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism.
Resources
The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) released statistics today measuring the outdoor recreation economy for the nation, all 50 states, and the District of Columbia. The new U.S. data show that the value added of the outdoor recreation economy accounted for 2.2 percent ($563.7 billion) of current-dollar gross domestic product (GDP) for the nation in 2022 (national table 1). At the state level, value added for outdoor recreation as a share of state GDP ranged from 5.6 percent in Hawaii to 1.4 percent in Connecticut. The share was 0.9 percent in the District of Columbia (state table 1).
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has followed trends in the outdoors since 1955 by conducting the National Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation Survey about every five years. It’s a massive, continuous effort. Public conservation and wildlife agencies across the U.S. – including the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission – and commercial enterprises rely on the survey to reveal peaks and valleys in the numbers of hunters, anglers and others who participate in outdoor-related endeavors. The latest version, the 2022 edition, marks a departure from methods used in the past.
Travel to Arkansas and refresh your spirit with adventure. Choose from vacations all over Arkansas - where you can truly embrace the majestic wonder and beauty that makes up The Natural State. We have experiences for everyone, whether you want to spend your whole trip in a park, forest, or mountain, or if you want to dip your toes in the water at the beach or lake on a quick day trip. Find outdoor vacation ideas below and come connect with nature, family and friends in beautiful Arkansas. Start planning your getaway today!
Upcoming Events in Outdoor Recreation
[email protected] I 479.418.4800
3300 Market Street, Suite 400, Rogers, Arkansas 72758