Hey All,
I am a little late to this post, so hopefully you've already experienced a camping trip by now! But I wanted to give my two cents for first time campers. This is not for experienced guys. I survive on a lot less many times, but you choose your battles. If you are camping with a newbie, especially if the newbie is your spouse, make the camping experience easy. That is more important on the first trip than making it a "real" camping experience.
I think the key to getting into anything is to have fun and do not overwhelm yourself. Just like gardening, hunting, or any other skill, it takes some time to feel comfortable at it. Really focus on making this easy for your family, even if it feels less "camping-ish". You should make sure your wife and kids have generally "positive" experiences on this first outing. The last thing you want is a horrible first day or two, if that happens, you can likely say goodbye to camping with the family forever.
Location
Make it simple, and not too far out. Try going to a local state park with good facilities. Check the reviews on a private camp ground and see what they offer. Make sure they have clean bathrooms with flush toilets. Not much scares new campers away from the activity faster than a stinky bathroom every morning.
Tent
If you know someone with a tent, ask to borrow it. This makes it much simpler. If you can, borrow two tents if your kids are older. If they are under ten, just stay in the same tent for this first trip. While your at it, ask your friend to borrow a screen house to setup over the picnic table on site.
Sleeping situation
Bring sleeping bags if you have them. Otherwise just use sheets and blankets. They won't get that dirty. It is not like you are sleeping on the ground outside. So don't worry about that. I would highly recommend a cot for the adults if possible. If not, get an air mattress. Once again, borrow this if possible. Most campers would love to loan their equipment to friends.
Bring Pillows! Everyone forgets these and you should not. If you use two pillows at home, bring two. This is doubly true for your camping wife.
Eating/Cooking
The key here is to keep it simple on this first outing. Bring ready made foods or plan on going out. I would avoid cooler stuff as much as possible (other than for drinks). That means if you drink milk, you go buy those Organic Valley Ultra Pasteurized milk containers. They come in 8oz portions and are shelf stable until opened. They cost a little more, but save tons of headaches with ice and stuff.
For breakfast, eat granola bars or cereal (with aforementioned milk). Some also prefer trail mix. If you must have meat with your breakfast, get the precooked packaged shelf stable bacon. They sell it at aldi and other grocery stores. It tastes great. We use this method while travelling on the road because we often stop at rest areas and sleep for the night before getting back on the road. We keep prep times to a minimum.
For some, coffee is a must. If possible, go buy some Frappaccino in bottles or just bring along a lot of soda to drink. Yes, it is not healthy, but neither is running into a momma bear that has not had her caffeine fix that morning!
For lunches, go out to eat if you can afford it. If not, bring some summer sausage, cheese, and crackers. Or bring some other food items that are less perishable. Make sure you bring more than enough of this non-refrigerated stuff.
For dinner, bring some hotdog roasting forks and have hotdogs and smores. Again, cleanup will be minimal. Be sure to bring ketchup (did you know it is shelf stable even after opening?)
Dishes
Use disposable dishes. Plastic bowls and such work great in most situations. Plastic silverware is also essential.
Things to do
If you are at a state park (or national park) take a tour from the rangers. If you don't know when the tours are, check at the camp office when you check in.
Stop by a tourist office or stop in a hotel lobby and pick up some brochures. They are filled with good activities.
If you hike (and you should), do a short hike, like a mile. And bring water and snacks with. Make it fun and leave them wanting more.
Misc
Bring bug spray.
Bring stocking caps for at night. If you get cold, put it on and it will do wonders.
If you have only one pair of shoes to bring, make it a pair of tennis shoes.
Borrow a trailer from a friend if you need room to haul stuff for your trip. If you don't have friends, rent one off craigslist for cheap.
