Getting outside grows Arkansas' economy
By Worth Sparkman
Published on March 13, 2026.
Arkansas's outdoor recreation economy, accounting for $4.9 billion in 2024, an estimated 2.6% of the state's GDP, supported by more than 43,000 jobs. The industry's direct and indirect impact is estimated at $7.3 billion, which includes ancillary businesses such as fiberglass, sheet metal and seat suppliers for a boat maker. The Outdoor Recreation Economy accounted for 2.4% of U.S. GDP in 2024. California led the country in total outdoor recreation spending, with the highest shares in Hawai'i (6.1%), Alaska (5.3%) and Montana (4.8%), while the Outdoor Recreation economy accounted for the lowest shares in Washington, D.C. and New York.
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