Outdoor programs have shown holistic health benefits for participants, with recent evidence indicating that these benefits can extend long after the conclusion of the program. The methods employed in retrospective studies exploring these outcomes are diverse, leading to many different approaches. Furthermore, only a few studies reference a theoretical framework guiding the authors' approach. The primary objectives of this review were to (1) identify the purposes and outcomes from retrospective studies related to outdoor experiences, (2) summarize the methodological characteristics, and (3) compile reported methodological limitations. A Peer Reviewed Electronic Search Strategy (PRESS) was employed to search four prominent databases; Yielding 5206 candidate studies, from which 31 met the inclusion criteria. Data analysis revealed that there were four main study purposes and 22 unique outcomes. Retrospective, longitudinal, and follow-up were the three main methodological designs, with methods exhibiting significant variation and diversity. This review concludes with five suggestions for future research.