The processes associated with the spatial organization of recreation are investigated. The stages of the development of recreational nature management (the formation of recreation, the formation of a network of recreational complexes, the formation of recreational areas) are highlighted, and the corresponding mode of space development (point, linear and linear-point, linear-areal and areal) is revealed. Objects of study (territorial recreational complexes and tourist and recreational areas) are identified, which serve as the cores of the spatial organization of recreational use of natural resources and the cores of the formation of recreational landscapes. A classification of recreational complexes according to their function and degree of transformation of the natural components has been developed. To compare the types of recreational complexes, the parameters of spatial assessment are introduced: regularity, diversity, monotony, permeability, fragmentation, building density, transformation of natural complex, development of the surrounding territory. Trends in the development of various types of recreational complexes are identified and analyzed. There are major trends: an increase in the area and diversity of recreational complexes; increasing the degree of space transformation; strengthening the correlation of the structure of the complex with its specialization; increasing the versatility of recreational complexes and areas; unification of the structure of various types of residential-recreational complexes; reduction of the permeability of the complexes; reducing the role of landscape conditions in the placement of recreational complexes.