I suggest car camping in an area that supplies a bear box for your first few excursions. Buy firewood at the location grocery as opposed to hauling it from home, as bringing in wood also runs the risk of bringing in non-native insects like bark beetles.
Car camping is cushy. A lot of campgrounds provide showers and bathrooms. It is beyond rude to do dishes in those sinks. Bring biodegradable soap and a 5 gallon jug of water.
One of my favorite moments is waking up, getting your fire going, and making coffee with a French press while most of the campground is quiet and sleeping.
Don’t forget a portable music method, a head lamp, and extra batteries for both.
If you bring your dog set up a dog run by stringing laundry line between two trees and attaching his leash to the line. He’ll have way more fun that way, and you won’t have to constantly monitor him.
If your plan is to eventually get away from car camping and hike in to a spot, buy your sleeping bag, mat, and tent with that goal in mind. Choose gear based on the number of seasons it is built for and the weight. Lighter weight, high quality gear will be more expensive, but in the end it is completely worth it – IF you intend on hiking. Otherwise you can get big, bulky, comfortable cheap camping gear from Walmart and it will do just great.
Finally, as a safety tip: bring a whistle and wear it at night.
Camping is great. Have fun!