Nevada’s Outdoor Recreation Economy Soars to $24 Billion, Surpassing Mining in Economic Impact
Nevada’s burgeoning outdoor recreation sector is a major economic force, contributing an estimated $24 billion to the state’s economy in 2023 and supporting more than 75,000 jobs, according to a newly released analysis by the Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation. The report, unveiled in november, provides the first complete, data-driven assessment of the industry’s impact, revealing its ample contribution to the state’s financial health and quality of life.
The economic boom in outdoor activities is a marked shift for Nevada, which historically lacked detailed data on the sector’s influence. For years, the federal Bureau of Economic Analysis provided only broad estimates, but the new state-level analysis offers a far more granular picture. Local businesses are already seeing the benefits. For example, one consignment shop specializing in ski and snowboard gear processes over 120 pairs per season, often within 24 hours of consignment.
this localized success story reflects a broader national trend. A record 180 million Americans engaged in outdoor recreation last year, according to the Outdoor Industry Association. The Nevada analysis measured the economic impact of 159 million annual visits to recreation areas, ranging from neighborhood parks to Great Basin National Park. This expansive definition significantly surpasses previous federal estimates, which, at around $8 billion and 58,000 jobs, were considered incomplete.
“People come here for a quality of life they might not be able to get somewhere else becuase of the diverse and vast public lands we have,” explained Denise Beronio, administrator of the Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation. “It’s really a pillar for Nevada’s identity.”
The report reveals that outdoor recreation now generates a larger economic impact than mining, a traditional pillar of the Nevada economy, which contributes $5.1 billion to the state’s GDP. while still trailing manufacturing and gaming in overall economic output, the sector’s growth is undeniable. The analysis also considered the economic benefits extending into the California side of the Lake Tahoe Basin, accounting for roughly $1 billion in economic output. “When you go to the Tahoe Basin, visitors don’t care too much about the state line,” noted Johnny Mojica, chief operating officer and recreation economist at Radbridge, the firm that drafted the analysis. “We felt that it would be a more useful tool for the land managers there to have a more holistic look at the whole basin.”
Beyond direct economic contributions, the report highlights significant intangible benefits, totaling an additional $10 billion for the state. These include over $2 billion in reduced health costs due to increased outdoor activity and $8.2 billion in “consumer surplus” – the value consumers receive beyond the actual cost of their recreation experiences. For example, a hiker willing to spend $120 on a day trip but only incurring $40 in expenses realizes an $80 consumer surplus.
The findings underscore the importance of strategic investment in the sector. The report identifies key areas for betterment, including workforce development and the creation of a dedicated funding source for outdoor recreation initiatives. Currently, Nevada is one of roughly two dozen states wiht a dedicated outdoor recreation division, established in 2019. Lawmakers have taken initial steps toward funding, passing AB331 in 2019 to develop a grant program and expanding its scope with SB21 in 2025 to include infrastructure funding, though no funds have yet been allocated.
Looking to other states for models, the report points to texas, where sales tax revenue from sporting goods supports state park maintenance and grants, and Missouri, where a dedicated sales tax generates $90 to $100 million annually for state parks and conservation efforts. A trained workforce is also crucial, and the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) has partnered with the division to offer specializations in sustainable outdoor recreation management and outdoor adventure leadership, though a broader degree program is currently lacking.
“outdoor recreation isn’t a ‘nice-to-have,'” Beronio emphasized. “‘It’s a ‘must-have.'” The report, she concluded, “shows what resources we need, where we need funding, where we need people,” and represents “a bipartisan effort that outdoor recreation is for everybody.”
Skiers enjoy early season conditions on Nov. 26, 2025, at Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe. (Amy Alonzo/The Nevada Autonomous)
