ABSTRACT Purpose: The aim of this study is to comprehensively understand and analyze the main characteristics of sustainable practices in sporting events organized in protected and unprotected natural areas (PNA and UNA). Methodology: employing the scoping review guidelines outlined by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI), this research adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) framework. The search encompassed two major databases, Scopus and Web of Science, alongside a thorough review of gray literature, extending up to the year 2022. A total of 49 records were analyzed considering two dimensions: (i) comprehensive document characteristics and (ii) document attributes by natural area. Results: (i) a preponderance of research papers compared to gray literature (ii) a prevalence of studies within the environmental domain, (iii) European dominance in the literature, (iv) a particular focus on activities such as trail running and mountain biking, and (v) highlights a significant shift in how sustainability is studied, with new study topics emerging in recent years. Practical implications: These findings can be useful for sports event organizers. Research contributions: Our research identifies sustainable management trends in natural areas, outlines gaps, and provides a framework for enhancing sustainability in natural area sports events through future research.