Billy Goat Hop Farm, a prominent hop producer in Montrose, Colorado, has announced a public expansion of its operations with the launch of Down at the Hop Yard Campground and The Beer Barn.
Known for supplying hops to craft brewers across the Southwest, the farm is now offering visitors the chance to camp on-site, tour the grounds, and sample beverages made with its own hops.
The new campground is now open for booking through HipCamp and features private campsites set among the hop bines at the farm’s perimeter.
Each site includes a 28-foot by 15-foot parking space and a similarly sized adjacent area for camping. Guests have access to amenities such as ADA-accessible hot showers, flushing toilets, potable water, and a communal fire pit.
The initiative represents a shift for the farm, which has operated primarily as a commercial hop producer since its founding in 2017, as per a press release.
Co-owners Chris and Audrey Gehlhausen see the new venture as a way to invite the community and travelers to experience farm life firsthand. In addition to camping, guests can participate in guided farm tours, which include the option for beer tastings.
Starting May 23 and running through October 3, the farm will host “Fridays On The Farm” each Friday from 2 to 9 p.m. at The Beer Barn.
The weekly event will feature beer made with Billy Goat hops by breweries across the Southwest, along with the farm’s new hop water and its branded hard seltzer, Hop Drool.
Attendees can also expect rotating food trucks, yard games, and occasional live music. The event is open to the public and is family- and pet-friendly.
“Before we even started the business, Chris and I dreamed of selling beer from the farm,” said Audrey Gehlhausen.
“Families and friends laughing, dogs running around, cold beer, and surrounded by hops and mountains. We’re lucky to have found the wonderful community of Montrose to make this dream a reality. Not to mention the endless recreation around the Western Slope—work hard, play hard!”
Founded in 2017, Billy Goat Hop Farm has grown to 32 acres and produces nine varieties of craft hops. In 2022, the farm expanded its offerings by sourcing and processing whole cone hops from other growers.
The farm uses a combination of traditional agricultural practices and modern processing technology, emphasizing sustainability with reduced water and chemical use.
For outdoor hospitality operators, this development offers a look at diversification strategies within agritourism.
The integration of on-farm lodging and events not only adds revenue streams but also enhances brand identity and customer engagement.
Operators in the glamping and RV sectors may find value in examining how Billy Goat Hop Farm has capitalized on its existing agricultural footprint to create new guest experiences.