AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas was home to one of the largest outdoor recreation economies in 2023, according to findings from the Bureau of Economic Analysis released in late November.
Collectively, outdoor recreation spending amounted to $639.5 billion in the United States, with $55.8 billion of those dollars fueling Texas’ economy. The Lone Star State ranked third in the country overall for outdoor recreation spending, trailing behind California with nearly $81.5 billion and Florida with $57.8 billion.
Across the United States, boating and fishing were the largest contributors to the economy among outdoor recreation activities, followed by RVing, hunting, shooting and trapping, motorcycling and ATVing, snow activities and equestrian sports. In Texas, $2.8 billion of its outdoor recreation revenues were spent on boating and fishing — the third highest in the country.
With RVing, Texas came in second nationally at $2.5 billion, trailing behind Indiana at $4.7 billion and surpassing California’s $2 billion. The Lone Star State led the way on the hunting front, with $1.7 billion in revenues added — the highest nationally.
Last year, the country’s outdoor recreation industries contributed to nearly 5 million jobs created. In similar fashion, California, Florida and Texas made up the top three states for outdoor recreation employment; California had more than 545,000 outdoor recreation jobs, Florida reported over 469,000 jobs and Texas brought in 389,000 jobs.
Heading into the cooler temperatures this winter, there are 85 state parks, natural areas and historic sites Texans and visitors can enjoy via the Texas Park and Wildlife Department. KXAN Digital Data Reporter Christopher Adams found the state’s park system welcomes, on average, more than 1.6 million people each December, January and February.
The following Texas natural regions welcome the highest number of visitors each winter, on average:
- Prairies & Lakes: 466,432 visitors on average
- Hill Country: 406,038 visitors on average
- Gulf Coast: 188,458 visitors on average
- Pineywoods: 181,429 visitors on average
- Panhandle Plains: 157,623 visitors on average
- South Texas Plains: 119,241 visitors on average
- Big Bend Country: 91,696 visitors on average
KXAN Digital Data Reporter Christopher Adams contributed to this reporting.