The scientific and practical foundations of recreational forestry as one of the priority areas of forestry are outlined. A comprehensive description of the types of recreational forest management, the main resources that form recreational potential is given. The features of recreational zoning, forest management, taxation, forestry and landscape activities in recreational forests are highlighted. The material was the scientific works of domestic and foreign scientists, the results of the authors' research in the field of recreational forestry and long-term experience in teaching the subject.