Brookside Gardens, Maryland
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
There are few things in life that are as striking to the senses as an expansive flower garden in full bloom. It’s pretty tough to beat the explosions of colors, pleasing smells, and chirping birds that are enjoying the experience as much as you. While you are down around our nation’s capital exploring through Maryland in your rental RV, you’ll have an opportunity to walk some beautifully landscaped grounds at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton.
The 50-acre gardens were opened back in 1969 and through the guidance of professional horticulturists, hundreds of local volunteers continue to provide year-round care for the diverse plant species throughout the grounds. This level of community involvement really makes the gardens special and truly loved by locals. Over the years, the garden has also worked in other valuable exhibits for visitors including art and wildlife, making Brookside Gardens a worthy stop during your Maryland RV road trip.
With about a dozen distinct garden areas, Brookside Gardens is a lot more than just some pretty flowers. You’ll see distinct classes of flowers, shrubs, trees, etc. from specific geographic areas (like Japan) or that produce specific sensory experiences (like the Fragrance Garden). The grounds also feature walking trails for you to meander among the beautiful ponds, brooks, and forests as you move from one garden to the next.
There are also two different conservatories (those big glass houses) on the property for year-round viewing pleasure. Inside, you will find a large collection of colorful and fascinating tropical plants that would not fare well in the changing Maryland seasons. In addition, the conservatories also feature seasonal color displays like a stunning variety of oranges, reds, and yellows in autumn.
Metamorphosis is a fascinating phenomenon for many folks and chances are, you have observed a caterpillar making this incredible journey of transformation in science class or perhaps on your front porch. Brookside Gardens has its own exhibit dedicated to this amazing natural process that is highly entertaining for both children and adults. You will learn about and observe caterpillars through their entire life cycle—from egg, to larva, to butterfly, to the end of their long migration flights.
You will find the exhibit at the South Conservatory. This is a unique exhibit on its own and a separate ticket purchase is required. Tickets can be purchased at the visitor center or gift shop. If visiting in the summer months, be sure to bring some water along because the conservatory buildings get quite a bit warmer than the outside temperature.
While you learn about some of the complexities of horticulture, the little ones will love spending time at the dedicated Children’s Garden. Here, the park staff and volunteers have worked hard to create a micro-Maryland to teach children all about the natural history of the state. From the agricultural focus at the farmhouse, to the boulder scampering at the makeshift mountain, the kids in your group will leave Brookside with some new knowledge and (maybe) a little less energy.
You will find the Children’s Garden immediately behind the visitor center. Most exhibits are geared towards ages four and up, although toddlers will surely enjoy tromping near the butterfly garden. There is also a small library where you can grab a children’s book and read to your little ones on the lawn.
During your visit to the gardens, you’ll encounter more than just natural beauty. One of the primary missions of Brookside is to support local artists that emphasize the connection between humans and the natural world. There are usually a few featured artists at a time in the visitor center and their work is also available for purchase.
In the spring months, Brookside also typically hosts an art competition for local high school students. You’ll be able to view finalists’ and winners’ pieces; the creativity and skill of these young people are sure to amaze you.
Although it’s not the most typical time for an RV road trip, you will find a special treat at Brookside Garden around the holidays. The Garden of Lights Display will dazzle any visitor with tens of thousands of colorful lights decorating the already beautiful grounds. A true winter wonderland awaits you with meticulously lighted mature trees, gazebos, and specially created tunnels.
The crowd favorite, however, is the huge display of animal features. From butterflies, to giraffes, to dolphins, to wolves, the incredibly detailed wildlife displays are sure to amaze adults and children, alike. For the little ones, though, be sure to go to the Children’s Garden and walk through the body of the huge lit-up caterpillar.
The closest camping option (eight miles) also happens to be the highest rated RV park in the area by Good Sam. You will love the spacious full hookup sites at Cherry Hill Park. This massive campground (hundreds of sites) is packed with amenities like two solar-warmed pools, a bus stop, area tours, mini-golf, tractor rides, fishing, a fully stocked camp store, walking trails, and so much more. If you are looking for peace and quiet, this may not be the right choice for you. However, Cherry Hill is a great fit for the group looking for an action-packed camping experience.
If you are looking for a more authentic camping experience in the area, the Greenbelt Campground is a solid option nearby (14 miles). Although located in the Maryland suburbs, the campground does feel like it is out in the middle of the woods. Greenbelt’s 140-sites welcome RV campers, although no hookup access is available. Nevertheless, you’ll have access to potable water, flushing toilets, shower facilities, and a dump station. For fun, take a hike on the 10 miles of trails in adjacent Greenbelt Park.
Similarly to Brookside Gardens, the Little Bennett Campground is managed by the Montgomery County Parks system. About 25 miles to the northwest of the gardens, the campground offers 22 full hookup sites for RV campers in a moderately wooded setting. For your comfort, you will also have access to bathhouses, flushing toilets, and a dump station. Recreation options include the 25 miles of hiking trails within Little Bennett Regional Park as well as an 18-hole golf course.
To the north, the 200-site Ramblin’ Pines Family Campground and RV Park is a nicely forested option that feels properly separated from the hustle and bustle of the D.C. area. RV sites are equipped with full hookups and park-wide Wi-Fi is available for your convenience. There’s plenty of fun to be had on the grounds as well with access to fishing, a fitness center, outdoor sports, mini golf, a jumping pillow, and a heated pool.
If you’d like to stay out near the coast, the Washington D.C./Capitol KOA (30 miles) is a great option, especially for families. On top of full hookup sites and all of the usual modern amenities, campers will enjoy the pool, bike rentals, tour shuttle service, nature trail, and weekend group events like s’mores night, ice cream socials, and more. There is even an onsite pizza restaurant that will deliver to your campsite which can make movie night even better.
Unfortunately, there are no dining options within the gardens, themselves. In fact, dining is actually prohibited on the grounds. In adjacent Wheaton Regional Park, however, you can find picnic areas if you’re looking to have yourself an informal lunch nearby.
You’re in suburban Maryland so luckily you won’t have to go hunting for dining options around the gardens. In fact, the towns of Wheaton (where Brookside Gardens is located) and immediately nearby Silver Spring have a diverse array of options available for hungry campers. On top of traditional American fare and seafood, you will also find Italian, sushi, Vietnamese, pizza, Brazilian, Thai, Mexican, Caribbean, and much more.
No matter where you stay, the incredible horticultural displays at Brookside Gardens are sure to give you some of the best photos from your RV trip through the great state of Maryland.