This study shows that outdoor recreation is not just enjoyable Americans also believe it leads to important social benefits. Outdoor recreation also is perceived to be widely available not just a luxury for the affluent. One-quarter of adult Americans today report that they grew up in a family in which recreation was a very important part of family life, down substantially from the level reported in 1986. Two-thirds of all Americans participate in outdoor recreation every year, and half do so at least monthly. A vacation spot at an ocean, lake, reservoir or river is the top choice for Americans, followed by federal and state parks.
Regional differences loom large when it comes to recreation customer satisfaction.
Midwestemers are most content, while those from the Northeast are least satisfied. Fifty-six percent of all Americans report time is the key limitation on recreation activities. While obtaining information on places to go is not a major problem to most Americans the public is relatively unsatisfied with the amount of instructional, interpretive and environmental information available during the outdoor recreation experience itself. Downhill skiers are three times as likely to be golfers as the public at large. RV'ers also like boating.