Outdoor Recreation

Public lands in the United States are the backdrop for adventure, exploration and connection with nature. These special places provide endless opportunities for recreation like hiking, hunting, fishing, birding, horseback riding, camping... and so much more. 

Millions of people from all over the world visit public lands every year! In 2023, the National Park System alone received over 325 million recreation visits. Similarly, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) reported approximately 81 million visits in 2022.  

Outdoor recreation on public lands is also a major economic driver, contributing billions of dollars to the national economy. Activities such as hiking, hunting, fishing and camping generate billions of dollars in tourism, supporting local restaurants, hotels, outfitters and guides, to name a few industries. These adventurers also help fund conservation efforts by paying excise taxes, park fees and buying recreation permits.

Whether seeking solitude in the backcountry or enjoying a weekend at a favorite fishing hole, public lands offer something for everyone interested in getting outside. That is why we need to protect and conserve public lands from the many threats they face, including climate change and poor management decisions that favor development. The more people use public lands, the more they will understand the value they bring to our lives.