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THE BIG TENT FOR OUTDOOR RECREATION
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The mission  of the Big Tent  is to promote sustainable, diverse, equitable, and inclusive outdoor experiences in Washington state through advocacy and education.

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#RecreateResponsibly to Protect Yourself, Others, and the Outdoors

During this public health crisis, spending time in outdoor spaces has become even more important for many Americans. Yet these unusual circumstances mean that all of us, from seasoned outdoor enthusiasts to families heading out to their local park for the first time, could use a little guidance about how to stay safe. The Recreate Responsibly guidelines offer a starting point for getting outside to keep yourself healthy and to maintain access to our parks, trails, and beaches. [ LEARN MORE ]

 

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We Represent Outdoor Recreation

The power of the Big Tent lies not with any individual or with any shiny advertising or marketing campaigns, but with the combined weight of dozens of organizations and agencies who believe in the collective value of outdoor recreation.

We are an organic group, with no Executive Director.  We come together periodically, meet on an as-needed basis, and gather each year in Olympia to show policy-makers and opinion leaders that outdoor recreation is a critical sector in Washington, one that brings jobs, revenue, active and healthy living, and tourism to a state blessed with mind-numbing natural beauty.  
 
On this website you will find a statement about who we are and how we came to be; a listing of our current members; contacts; information about how you can join us; meeting announcements; links to press releases and topical articles; and of course some background pictures of the outdoors.
 
We hope you find this site helpful, and that you won’t hesitate to tell us how we can add to it and improve.  It belongs to all of us who marvel at the stunning natural resources which make Washington a special place in which to live, work, and play.  Thanks for stopping by!

Quiet Recreation on BLM-Managed Lands: Economic Contribution 2014 Quiet Recreation on BLM-Managed Lands: Economic Contribution 2014

Quiet Recreation on BLM-Managed Lands: Economic Contribution 2014

Quiet activities are worth nearly $2 billion in a single year according to a new study.

Public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in the western United States and Alaska provide a wealth of recreational opportunities to visitors. These range from camping, hiking, and hunting to off-highway vehicle use (OHV), boating, and snowmobiling. In this report we distinguish between “quiet” and “non-quiet” recreational activities. We use the term “quiet recreation” to refer to recreation that generally does not involve significant use of motorized equipment—aside from any transportation to-and-from the recreation sites. 
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New $4.6 million ad campaign promotes Utah’s state parks

Fox 13 Salt Lake City

SALT LAKE CITY -- A new ad campaign with Utah parks in the starring role has been unveiled. The $4.6 million campaign has the state hoping more adventurers will flock to Utah to check out more than just the Mighty Five. In the 30 seconds of video, it's clear to see Mother Nature plays favorites with the Beehive State.

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Information about National Efforts in Outdoor Recreation Information about National Efforts in Outdoor Recreation

Information about National Efforts in Outdoor Recreation

Big Tent Outdoor Recreation Coalition News

We wanted to make you aware of two bills working its way through the federal process that directly relate to our mission - The first is intended to increase access to outdoor recreation. The second would require the Secretary of Commerce to conduct an assessment and analysis of outdoor recreation to the nation's economy. 

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State Shifts Spending Focus From Park Buying To Park Fixing State Shifts Spending Focus From Park Buying To Park Fixing

State Shifts Spending Focus From Park Buying To Park Fixing

Kitsap Sun

The state's largest fund for parks and conservation areas is being reshaped to put more money into fixing up existing parks and less money into buying new ones.

A bill passed by the Legislature last week offers several concessions to critics of the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program, which distributes tens of millions of dollars to purchase and improve public lands for outdoor recreation, habitat conservation and farming.
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Recreation Business Activities Could be Coming to Local State Parks Recreation Business Activities Could be Coming to Local State Parks

Recreation Business Activities Could be Coming to Local State Parks

KXRO.com

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission has announced three public meeting workshops, including one in Grays Harbor, relating to the establishment of Recreation Business Activity (RBA) zones in state parks.

Recreation Business Activity zones are areas for potential development of park visitor amenities such as cabins or food service, by private business or other outside entities.

Washington State Parks says the purpose of the zones is not to privatize the park system, but rather to provide park visitor amenities that are beyond State Parks’ financial capacity, while generating lease revenue to help operate the park system.

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National Get Outdoors Day - Saturday June 11, 2016 National Get Outdoors Day - Saturday June 11, 2016

National Get Outdoors Day - Saturday June 11, 2016

Washington Parks Foundation

Your organization is invited to Washington's third annual Get Outdoors Adventure Awaits Expo! The cost is free to all participants. This year's event on Saturday, June 11 promises to be even bigger than last year with lots more options for recreation and outdoor activities for everyone. Come celebrate National Get Outdoors Day at beautiful Millersylvania State Park just outside of Olympia.
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Washington State's Outdoor Recreation Economy Generates

View the 2020 Economic Analysis of Outdoor Recreation in Washington State for details