The outdoor recreation industry in the United States is a dynamic and thriving sector that plays a crucial role in the nation's economy. From hiking and camping to water sports and cycling, outdoor activities are deeply ingrained in American culture, offering both recreational enjoyment and economic benefits. Our curated list of the top outdoor recreation companies in the U.S. highlights the leaders in this vibrant industry, showcasing their contributions to outdoor enthusiasts and the broader economy. Following the list, we delve into the positive economic impact of this sector, the challenges it faces, and conclude with a reflection on its future prospects.
Top 10 Outdoor Recreation Companies in the U.S.
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1. Sep's Outdoors, Inc.
- Informal Name: Sep's Outdoors
- Founding Year: 2012
- City: Vacaville
- State: CA
- Postal Code: 95688
- Website: http://www.seps.com
- Description: Sep's Outdoors, Inc. is an outdoor recreation company. It offers a variety of hunting and fishing information. The company serves clients within the area.
- LinkedIn Account: https://www.linkedin.com/company/seps
- Employee Count: 142
- 3 Months Growth Rate: 2.9%
- Latest Estimated Revenue Min: $4,347,741
- Latest Estimated Revenue Max: $86,954,820
2. Polygroup Holdings, Ltd. dba Polygroup North America, Inc.
- Informal Name: Polygroup North America
- Founding Year: 1989
- City: Bentonville
- State: AR
- Postal Code: 72712
- Website: https://www.polygroup.com
- Description: Polygroup Holdings, Ltd. doing business as Polygroup North America, Inc. is a consumer goods manufacturing company. It offers outdoor recreation and seasonal home decor products. The company offers its products globally.
- LinkedIn Account: https://www.linkedin.com/company/polygroupbrands
- Employee Count: 282
- 3 Months Growth Rate: 16.95%
- Latest Estimated Revenue Min: $9,656,842
- Latest Estimated Revenue Max: $193,000,000
3. The Outdoor Recreation Group (TORG)
- Informal Name: TORG
- Founding Year: 1973
- City: Los Angeles
- State: CA
- Postal Code: 90008
- Website: https://www.torgusa.com
- Description: The Outdoor Recreation Group (TORG) is a consumer goods company. It provides waist and backpacks, duffels, hydration packs, luggage, electronic carrying cases, and outdoor gear. The company offers its products to retailers and online retailers worldwide.
- LinkedIn Account: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-outdoor-recreation-group
- Employee Count: 109
- 3 Months Growth Rate: 2.91%
- Latest Estimated Revenue Min: $21,189,875
- Latest Estimated Revenue Max: $84,759,498
4. The Westervelt Co., Inc.
- Informal Name: The Westervelt
- Founding Year: 1884
- City: Tuscaloosa
- State: AL
- Postal Code: 35404
- Website: https://www.westervelt.com
- Description: The Westervelt Co., Inc. is a forestry and logging company. It offers sustainable southern yellow pine wood products, outdoor recreation and wildlife management, residential real estate, mitigation and conservation banking, and forestry. It serves services within the area.
- LinkedIn Account: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-westervelt-company
- Employee Count: 277
- 3 Months Growth Rate: -1.07%
- Latest Estimated Revenue Min: $8,664,366
- Latest Estimated Revenue Max: $173,000,000
5. O.A.R.S. Companies, Inc.
- Informal Name: O.A.R.S. Companies
- Founding Year: 1969
- City: Angels Camp
- State: CA
- Postal Code: 95222
- Website: https://www.oars.com
- Description: O.A.R.S. Companies, Inc. is a travel company. It provides non-flight packages commencing in and returning to the UK and other non-flight packages excluding pre-arranged travel and offers rafting and sea kayaking adventures to national parks and wilderness areas in Western North America and abroad. The company markets its service to travelers to destinations in the United States and internationally.
- LinkedIn Account: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oars
- Employee Count: 127
- 3 Months Growth Rate: 1.61%
- Latest Estimated Revenue Min: $6,891,790
- Latest Estimated Revenue Max: $138,000,000
6. Cascade Designs, Inc.
- Informal Name: Cascade Designs
- Founding Year: 1972
- City: Seattle
- State: WA
- Postal Code: 98134
- Website: https://www.cascadedesigns.com
- Description: Cascade Designs, Inc. is an outdoor recreation product company. It makes outdoor products such as camping, hiking, water purification, backpacking, and snow tools that manufacture most gear. The company serves customers in Seattle, Washington, Reno, Cork, and Ireland.
- LinkedIn Account: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cascade-designs
- Employee Count: 216
- 3 Months Growth Rate: 0.93%
- Latest Estimated Revenue Min: $10,383,517
- Latest Estimated Revenue Max: $208,000,000
7. Vance Outdoors, Inc.
- Informal Name: Vance Outdoors
- Founding Year: 1938
- City: Columbus
- State: OH
- Postal Code: 43224
- Website: https://www.vanceoutdoors.com
- Description: Vance Outdoors, Inc. is a one-stop shop for buying guns. The company offers firearms, boats, engines, and marine accessories. It provides services for shooting ranges, guns, ammo, law enforcement, hunting, archery, boats/marine, fishing, outdoor recreation, clothing, and more.
- LinkedIn Account: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vance-outdoors-inc
- Employee Count: 105
- 3 Months Growth Rate: -4.67%
- Latest Estimated Revenue Min: $4,588,225
- Latest Estimated Revenue Max: $91,764,505
8. UT RecSports
- Informal Name: UT RecSports
- Founding Year: 1916
- City: Austin
- State: TX
- Postal Code: 78712
- Website: https://www.utrecsports.org/
- Description: Serving the campus community since 1916 - Recreational Sports promotes physical fitness, healthy habits, and balanced behaviors through an array of recreation facilities, programs, services, special events, and student employment opportunities. Programs offered include Intramural Sports, Fitness/Wellness, Outdoor Recreation, Sport Clubs, Instructional, and Informal Recreation.
- LinkedIn Account: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ut-recreational-sports
- Employee Count: 289
- 3 Months Growth Rate: 11.74%
- Latest Estimated Revenue Min: $10,377,967
- Latest Estimated Revenue Max: $208,000,000
9. Newquest Brands, LLC
- Informal Name: Newquest Brands
- Founding Year: 2016
- City: Houston
- State: TX
- Postal Code: 77040
- Website: https://www.newquestbrands.com
- Description: Newquest Brands, LLC is a company that operates in the retail industry. The company is dedicated to creating quality lifestyle products that bring the best value to diverse customers with collections and brands ranging from leisure activity to pet care to home essentials to outdoor recreation.
- LinkedIn Account: https://www.linkedin.com/company/newquest-properties
- Employee Count: 152
- 3 Months Growth Rate: -2.56%
- Latest Estimated Revenue Min: $7,473,433
- Latest Estimated Revenue Max: $149,000,000
10. Wiley X, Inc.
- Informal Name: Wiley X
- Founding Year: 1987
- City: Frisco
- State: TX
- Postal Code: 75033
- Website: https://www.wileyx.com
- Description: Wiley X, Inc. manufactures and supplies protective eyewear products to the U.S. military, law enforcement, occupational safety, outdoor recreation, and other tactical wearers around the world. The company offers goggles, gloves, climate control glasses, and other glasses, as well as parts and accessories for tactical, motorcycle, racing, outdoor, and safety applications.
- LinkedIn Account: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wiley-x-inc-
- Employee Count: 117
- 3 Months Growth Rate: -1.72%
- Latest Estimated Revenue Min: $7,289,489
- Latest Estimated Revenue Max: $146,000,000
Economic Impact of the Outdoor Recreation Sector
The outdoor recreation industry is a powerhouse of economic activity in the United States. It contributes significantly to the national GDP, supports millions of jobs, and generates substantial tax revenue. According to the Outdoor Industry Association, outdoor recreation accounts for over $887 billion in consumer spending annually and supports 7.6 million American jobs. These figures underscore the sector's importance as a driver of economic growth and stability.
Outdoor recreation companies not only provide direct employment opportunities but also stimulate local economies. They often operate in rural and underserved areas, bringing much-needed economic activity to these regions. The presence of outdoor recreation businesses can lead to the development of related industries, such as hospitality, retail, and transportation, further amplifying their economic impact. Additionally, these companies play a pivotal role in promoting tourism, attracting both domestic and international visitors eager to explore America's natural landscapes.
Challenges Facing the Outdoor Recreation Industry
Despite its economic significance, the outdoor recreation industry faces several challenges that could impact its growth and sustainability. One of the primary challenges is environmental sustainability. As outdoor activities become more popular, there is an increased strain on natural resources and ecosystems. Companies in this sector must balance growth with responsible stewardship of the environment, adopting sustainable practices to minimize their ecological footprint.
Another challenge is the impact of climate change. Changing weather patterns and extreme weather events can disrupt outdoor activities and affect the availability of natural resources. Companies must adapt to these changes by investing in climate resilience and developing innovative solutions to ensure the continuity of outdoor experiences.
Access to public lands is also a pressing issue. Many outdoor recreation activities rely on access to national parks, forests, and other public lands. However, policy changes and budget constraints can limit access to these areas, affecting both companies and consumers. Advocacy for public land access and responsible management is crucial to overcoming this challenge.
Conclusion: Embracing the Future of Outdoor Recreation
The outdoor recreation industry in the U.S. is poised for continued growth and innovation. As more people recognize the physical and mental health benefits of spending time outdoors, the demand for outdoor activities is likely to increase. Companies in this sector have the opportunity to capitalize on this trend by offering diverse and sustainable outdoor experiences.
To thrive in the future, outdoor recreation companies must prioritize sustainability, adapt to changing environmental conditions, and advocate for policies that support access to public lands. By doing so, they can ensure that the industry remains a vital part of the American economy and culture, providing enjoyment and economic benefits for generations to come.
In conclusion, the top outdoor recreation companies in the U.S. are not only leaders in their field but also key contributors to the nation's economic and environmental well-being. As we celebrate their achievements, we must also recognize the challenges they face and support their efforts to create a sustainable and inclusive future for outdoor recreation.
Find More Private Companies in This Sector or One of Your Choice
Reach out to our team today for a free custom list of private companies — Submit a Request.