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[quote=Anonymous]I would start you with a trip to REI, on a weekday morning, when it's not super crowded. They have great staff who can walk you through the basics you need to purchase. REI also has an awesome return policy and gives you dividends on your purchases. They run a number of classes, which are informative. I like the one in Rockville - the guys there are hard core campers (snow! unmarked trails! hammock tents!) yet VERY encouraging and supportive of novices.

If you are looking to do park-and-pitch, I would buy:

Tent - I say 6 person, not a 4 person
Sleeping mats/pads
Cook set (includes plates, bowls, cups, couple of pots)
Camp stove (if you're not ready for over the fire cooking)
Water jugs
Cooler(s)
Extra tarp

There are some good books out there. Camping with Kids -- lots of lists of what to bring, activities, etc., Best Tent Camping in (Any State) are a couple of my favorites.

We started off camping in a 2-3 hour drive from home, but our kids are younger than yours and we wanted to be close enough to bail if it was a disaster. State parks in Maryland are well suited for new campers. We looked for parks with lakes/rivers near by so the kids could splash around and pretend to fish. Some of the state parks have nature centers and/or family programs in the summer, which is nice for older kids.

In terms of investment, you're talking close to $700-1,000 to start for equipment. We've easily spent more, as we have also bought sleeping bags, a rain fly for fire/picnic area, and other stuff.

For cooking basics, you'll want to keep your meal plan very, very simple to start. PB&J, hot dogs, steaks. Stuff you know the kids will eat and that's simple to make.

Have fun![/quote]

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