Outdoor recreation in Arkansas isn’t just about hiking trails, floating rivers, or riding bikes; it’s a major force in the state’s economy. According to new data released by the Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation, outdoor activities generated an estimated $10.3 billion in visitor spending in 2023. That’s a massive contribution to the state’s economy, supporting thousands of jobs and making Arkansas an increasingly attractive destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Outdoor Fun, Real Dollars
Each year, millions of residents and visitors take to Arkansas’s parks, trails, rivers, and forests. And when they do, they spend money on lodging, restaurants, gear, fuel, guide services, and more.
That spending adds up.
The 2023 Outdoor Recreation Economic Impact Reports, created in partnership with the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis and tourism industry research firm Tourism Economics, reveal just how significant that spending is:
- $10.3 billion in outdoor visitor spending
- $4.9 billion in direct economic contribution
- $7.3 billion total contribution to the state’s GDP from outdoor recreation
- 68,000 Arkansas jobs supported by outdoor-related industries
This data reinforces a growing national trend: outdoor recreation is no longer a side note it’s a pillar of the economy.
Local Impact, Statewide Growth
The reports also break down economic impact by county, giving local communities better tools to plan and invest in outdoor infrastructure like trails, parks, and access points. Whether it’s mountain biking in Bentonville, paddling the Buffalo National River, or hiking in the Ouachita Mountains, outdoor adventure is driving both tourism and quality of life across all regions of the state.
According to the Office of Outdoor Recreation, having county-level data helps communities make smarter decisions about where to invest in outdoor projects and how to attract more visitors and businesses.
Why It Matters
Outdoor recreation offers more than just fun it delivers health benefits, builds community, creates jobs, and supports small businesses. As Arkansas continues to invest in public lands, parks, and trails, these new economic reports help show that those investments pay off.
“Outdoor recreation is a key driver of our economy,” said Shea Lewis, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. “These numbers show the value of protecting our natural resources and investing in the infrastructure that allows Arkansans and visitors to experience them.”
Want to See the Numbers?
The full 2023 reports including county-by-county breakdowns and comparisons to previous years are available on the Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation’s website:
👉 View the Reports
Bottom Line: Whether you’re casting a line, lacing up your boots, or loading bikes onto the car, your next Arkansas adventure isn’t just good for the soul it’s good for the state.
This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens—thank you for supporting our work!
