A bipartisan act was signed into law this year that aims to help more people explore the outdoors. And the legislation is poised to boost a range of startups that serve the outdoor recreation industry, from outdoor vehicle marketplaces to fishing guide booking platforms and more.
In January, the bipartisan EXPLORE Act was signed into law by then-President Joe Biden. The act offers a federal commitment to increase investment and accessibility to public lands. TechNexus Venture Collaborative, in partnership with our corporate partners Brunswick and Thor Industries, has long invested in startups working across the outdoor recreation space.
It’s given us a unique perspective on the ecosystem of innovative technology ventures working to support boating, camping, fishing and more. Whether it’s finding the perfect campground with The Dyrt, creating a killer fishing adventure with Captain Experiences, or renting out an RV for the weekend with RVezy, TechNexus’ broad variety of portfolio startups within outdoor recreation are set to benefit.
What is the EXPLORE Act?
The EXPLORE Act, also known as the “Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act,” aims to improve recreation opportunities and facilitate greater access to federal public lands. It entails establishing at least 27 new campsites for public use, modernizing campgrounds with internet access and cellular data, introducing digital national park passes and collecting greater visitation data.
“The RV Industry Association, and the wider outdoor recreation industry, is thrilled to see the EXPLORE Act’s passage,” RV Industry Association President & CEO Craig Kirby said in a statement. “This is an incredible victory for the countless individuals, communities, and businesses who benefit from accessible, enhanced outdoor spaces.”
Unpacking the Act even further, there will be 10 new long-distance bike trails, at least one new target shooting range, issued guidance for recreational climbing activities and the removal of aquatic invasive species. There will also be programs targeted toward getting underresourced communities and youth into the outdoors on top of efforts to extend seasonal recreation opportunities during the offseason.
Why Does it Matter?
Outdoor recreation witnessed a surge in popularity during the pandemic, reaching $1.2 trillion in economic output in 2023. With participation and interest reaching all-time highs, state and national parks across the U.S. have struggled to accommodate it.
“The challenge is there's not enough campgrounds,” said Chris Yeloushan (pictured), a VP at outdoor vehicle marketplace startup Rollick and an avid camper of over 20 years. “Ever since Covid, so many people got into the outdoor recreation industry, and it kind of imploded the system.”
“There are so many people that want to get out and camp, get out and boat, get on those trails, but when you try to get into a national park, there could be 100 cars behind you,” Yeloushan added.
According to the 2024 Outdoor Participation Trends Report, outdoor participation grew 4.1% to a record 175.8 million participants. The EXPLORE Act is expected to alleviate these high congestion rates and extend federal land shoulder seasons, effectively spreading out demand.
The increased demand has put a significant strain on national parks, their staff and the plants and animals they’re there to protect, said Jonathan Newar, co-founder and CEO of Captain Experiences, an online platform for booking fishing and hunting excursions.
“Federal acts like this can help by giving them the additional resources they need to make sure everyone can have a fantastic time outdoors,” Newar said. “And that these resources are around for generations to come.”
What’s To Come?
Movements like this can reinvigorate an industry, and provide more opportunities for startups that aim to increase access to the outdoors.
“The more money that's put in the industry, the more growth, and the more Rollick grows as well,” Yeloushan said.
The same can be said for other startups in the industry. As campgrounds modernize, Lightship’s newly released electric RV might soon find national parks the perfect place to connect and recharge. THOR Industries and Brunswick, corporate pillars in outdoor recreation and TechNexus partners, could also be poised to see increased business from the EXPLORE Act.
When it’s easier to go outdoors, it’s easier to access potential customers, Yeloushan said. Individuals can even “work from home” in an RV now with broadband internet access being installed at campgrounds.
Whether you’re a corporation, startup, veteran outdoor enthusiast or a new explorer, the EXPLORE Act illuminates a more sustainable, inclusive and technologically advanced future for all participants of outdoor recreation.