Memberships

Advocacy, Resources, and Community

Become a Member

America Outdoors is the national trade association for outfitters, dedicated to growing, protecting, and serving outfitting businesses nationwide. Since 1982, we’ve been the industry’s voice in Washington—advocating for fair policies, protecting your right to operate, and uniting outfitters around shared challenges and solutions. By becoming a member, you join a community led by working outfitters and industry partners, gain access to practical resources, and strengthen a collective voice that helps your business navigate permitting, risk management, staffing, marketing, and daily operations.

Why Join Our Association?

Join the national trade association working every day to advocate for outfitters, protect the conditions that allow businesses to operate, and unite the industry around shared challenges and solutions.

Membership Types & Pricing

Questions about membership or online registration? Contact us at [email protected] for personalized support. 

Outfitter Organizations

This includes all outfitters and outdoor recreation companies whose primary operation is in the United States.

 

Annual Revenue

  • Up To - $250,000 $480
  • $250,001 - $500,00 $960
  • $500,001 - $1,000,000 $1,570
  • $1,00,001 -$2,000,000 $2,410
  • $2,000,001 - $5,000,000 $3,630
  • $5,000,001 and Up $4,845

International Organizations

This includes all outfitters and outdoor recreation companies whose primary operation is outside of the United States.

 

Annual Revenue

  • Up To - $300,000 $225
  • $300,001 - $500,000 $300
  • $500,001 and Up $450

Commercial Organizations

This includes those who manufacture or distribute gear and other goods, as well as those who provide services to the outdoor industry.

 

Membership

  • Single Flat Rate $350

Ready to Join the America Outdoors Family?

Offset Your Dues. Strengthen Your Industry.

The Recreation Access & Stewardship Fund (RASF) lets your clients invest in the places and experiences they love through a small, voluntary contribution you collect at booking or invoicing. Those funds pass through to America Outdoors and underwrite the advocacy that keeps you operating. Up to 25% of what you remit may be applied as a credit to offset your next year’s dues.

  • Up to a 25% credit (offset) toward your following year’s membership dues
  • A client-funded contribution that adds nothing to your operating costs
  • Strengthens national advocacy on cross-cutting national issues
  • One-time setup in most reservation systems
  • A proven model run for decades by similar trade associations
  • Full flexibility to set your own amount, participate seasonally, and stop anytime
As outfitters we tend to measure the value of outfitter associations by what directly improves our operations: safer trips, better-trained guides, clearer regulations, and long-term access to the places we work. Over the years I’ve come to believe that no single organization no matter how effective can deliver all of that alone. America Outdoors is our national organization and plays a critical role.
a rafting guide on a scenic river
Featured Partners

Exclusive Benefits & More...

AO is proud to partner with trusted companies that understand the outfitting and guided outdoor recreation industry. These partners provide valuable services, exclusive member benefits, and support to help your business operate more efficiently and confidently.

Additional Benefits

Frequently Asked Questions

America Outdoors membership is designed for outfitting businesses and outdoor recreation operators that provide guided experiences such as rafting, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, climbing, and other outdoor adventures. Businesses that provide products or services to outfitters—such as gear manufacturers, technology providers, insurance companies, or other industry suppliers—can join as Commercial Members to support and connect with the outfitting industry.

Outfitter membership dues are based on annual gross revenue so that businesses of different sizes can participate fairly. Commercial members who provide products or services to the industry pay a flat annual membership rate.

Membership supports America Outdoors’ mission to grow, protect, and support the outfitting industry. Dues help fund national advocacy efforts that protect access to public lands and waterways, promote fair and reasonable regulations, and ensure outfitters have a strong voice in policy decisions that affect their businesses. Membership also helps develop valuable industry resources—including HR and risk management templates, webinars, conferences, and operational guidance—that members can use to strengthen their businesses.

Members gain access to industry advocacy, business resources, professional development programs, and a nationwide network of peers. America Outdoors also monitors legislative and regulatory developments that impact the outfitting industry, helping members stay informed about what’s coming in government affairs and policy so they can prepare and respond effectively.

Yes. Membership is held by the business, but the benefits extend to the entire organization. Owners, managers, guides, and administrative staff can participate in programs, access resources, attend events, and benefit from the professional network and insights available through America Outdoors.

No. America Outdoors welcomes international outfitting businesses and organizations whose primary operations are outside the United States. International membership options are available to support and connect outfitters globally.

Beginning in 2026, memberships renew annually. Outfitter memberships renew on June 30, and Commercial memberships renew on March 31. Once you join or renew, your membership will automatically renew each year unless you choose to make a change.

If you have questions about membership, dues, or the registration process, please contact us at [email protected] for assistance.

PATH has been the endorsed provider for AO since 2010. More than 150 members have chosen PATH as a trusted operational partner, saving over $7.5 million in fees while streamlining their businesses and gaining dedicated support to address day-to-day operational needs.

cbiz logo

As AO’s officially endorsed insurance partner, CBIZ offers AO members up to 10% off premiums on core lines of coverage—through your existing broker or directly through CBIZ. Coverage is built specifically for outfitting and adventure operations, backed by in-house claims specialists who know the business. For many qualifying operations, the savings alone can offset your annual AO membership dues.