Is your favorite thing about where you live all the amazing access to fresh air, green spaces, and outdoor recreation? If so, consider yourself lucky (and keep an eye out for your city on this list)! We worked with Cairn Consulting Group to determine the most outdoor-friendly cities in the U.S. Using both objective and subjective measures, our set methodology weighed features such as the number of visits to public parks and land, nights spent camping/RVing/glamping, membership to outdoor groups and much more. Find out how your city ranked!
The most outdoor-friendly cities were:
- Seattle
- Denver
- Grand Rapids
- Miami
- Portland
- Nashville
- San Francisco
- Richmond
- Los Angeles
- Charlotte
Seattle, WA
Seattle earns the top ranking across all large cities by scoring in the upper tier across most categories of outdoor recreation, and only lags in overnights for camping, out-of-region visits for outdoor rec, and days spent outdoor recreating. Yet they are above the 50th percentile in every category and the upper 90th percentile in 7 of the categories.
But wait, there’s more . . .
Seattle is renowned for its access to diverse outdoor recreation. The city is surrounded by water, mountains, and forests, offering activities like hiking, kayaking, and skiing. Iconic spots include the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges, Mount Rainier National Park, and Puget Sound.
Denver, CO
Denver is not far behind Seattle in all measurements and ranks first in access to state and municipal outdoor recreation opportunities. The city is ranked highly by residents and guests as having great access to outdoor recreation and being identified as an outdoor destination.
But wait, there’s more . . .
Denver is a gateway to the Rocky Mountains. It offers extensive outdoor recreation, from hiking and mountain biking to skiing and snowboarding. The city’s proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park and numerous other natural areas makes it a prime location for nature enthusiasts.
Grand Rapids, MI
Grand Rapids has consistent rankings that fall into the upper tier, whether it’s being ranked first for state and municipal outdoor recreation access, or in the 90th percentile for 7 other areas, only falling out of the top 50th percentile for the number of days residents participate in outdoor recreation.
But wait, there’s more . . .
Grand Rapids boasts a variety of outdoor activities, with the Grand River running through the city providing opportunities for kayaking and fishing. The city’s park system, along with nearby Lake Michigan and numerous hiking and biking trails ,enhances its outdoor appeal.
Miami, FL
Another large city that may surprise as the 4th most outdoor-friendly city is Miami, yet the city has several areas of top-tier rankings. Miami is in the 90th percentile in 8 measurement areas and falls below the top 50th percentile in days residents participate in outdoor rec and membership in outdoor rec groups. The city is viewed by residents and guests alike as having great access to outdoor rec, and has the reputation of an outdoor destination.
But wait, there’s more . . .
Miami offers unique outdoor recreation with its coastal location. The city is famous for its beaches, water sports, and the nearby Everglades National Park. Activities such as boating, snorkeling, and wildlife viewing are popular, making Miami a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Portland, OR
Portland ranks in the top 5 in 4 critical determinants of the rankings, including visits to public parks and land, the number of activities residents and visitors participate in, having the gear for their activities, and the number of days spent in nature-based spaces. The only categories they lag in are camping nights and membership in outdoor rec groups.
But wait, there’s more . . .
Portland is celebrated for its green spaces and proximity to outdoor activities. The city is close to the Columbia River Gorge, Mount Hood, and numerous parks and trails. Portland’s commitment to sustainability and biking culture further enhances its outdoor recreation reputation.
Nashville, TN
Nashville excels in several key areas such as access to state and municipal outdoor rec opportunities, visits to public spaces, and participation in activities, yet is in the lower tier for the number of days its residents participate in outdoor rec and is in the lower 50th percentile in out of region visits for outdoor recreation.
But wait, there’s more . . .
Nashville offers a variety of outdoor activities with its parks, rivers, and lakes. The nearby Great Smoky Mountains provide excellent hiking and camping opportunities. The city’s greenways and the Cumberland River offer additional recreational activities such as biking and kayaking.
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco residents tend to participate in a variety of outdoor rec activities and do so as part of outdoor rec groups. While they are less likely to be campers, they tend to be a relatively avid group of outdoors participants.
But wait, there’s more . . .
San Francisco provides exceptional outdoor recreation with its unique geography. The city is surrounded by water and hills, offering activities such as sailing, hiking and biking. Nearby Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Muir Woods, and Point Reyes National Seashore are popular destinations.
Richmond, VA
Richmond is quite possibly the most contrasted and conflicted city on the list, yet performs well enough in the important categories to land in the top 10. The city is ranked first for participation in a variety of activities, as well as using technology to access the outdoors and having the equipment for participation. They rank second in camping and the number of days spent in nature-based spaces. By contrast, the city is ranked near the bottom in access to state and municipal outdoor rec opportunities and suffers from lower rankings as an outdoor destination and being viewed as an outdoor city.
But wait, there’s more . . .
Richmond offers a mix of urban and natural outdoor recreation. The James River Park System provides opportunities for whitewater rafting, kayaking, and rock climbing. The city’s numerous parks and trails, combined with its historical sites, make Richmond a versatile outdoor destination.
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles is not typically viewed as an outdoor haven, and the ratings reinforce that notion, given the lower level of scoring on how the city is viewed for both access and being outdoor-friendly. However, the residents and guests of LA are upper 75th percentile in several areas, and the city itself offers exceptional access to state and municipal outdoor recreation.
But wait, there’s more . . .
Los Angeles boasts a wide range of outdoor activities due to its diverse landscape. From the beaches of Santa Monica to the trails of Griffith Park and the nearby San Gabriel Mountains, residents and visitors can enjoy hiking, surfing, and skiing. The city’s mild climate allows for year-round outdoor recreation.
Charlotte, NC
Charlotte is relatively consistent in its rankings, mostly falling into the upper 75th percentile. Its residents, however, are somewhat less likely to be avid participants on a day-to-day basis yet are likely to visit public parks and land more often.
But wait, there’s more . . .
Charlotte offers ample outdoor recreation with its parks, greenways, and proximity to the U.S. National Whitewater Center. The city’s numerous lakes, such as Lake Norman, provide boating and fishing opportunities. Additionally, the nearby Appalachian Mountains offer hiking and camping options.
Were any of these cities on your outdoor travel bucket list? From camping to endless outdoor activities to great access to some of the best outdoor spaces, any of these spots will make for a great RV trip.
Learn more about how these scores were determined with our full breakdown.
