I have camping questions for people who camp regularly!

I normally camp at state parks and occasionally smaller primitive site regional parks and national parks.

What the hell is an adventure pass?
No idea. State parks have stickers for your car window for parking in the park but you can also get day passes from the ranger at the entry of the park.

And why do I need it?
It might also be a program for children that they get stamps from naturalists as they attend programs.

Where/who do I pay to camp?
Usually at the office up front, a pay box or the camp host.

It’s a forest..
When you camp in the state forest, there are different rules, like some sites have fire rings, some dont, some have pit toilets some dont have any toilets, some arent accessible by road. Look online there might be a database; some states maintain maps and the campsite data better than others.

Do they charge me to park my car in a certain area in the forest? Dont just drive your car into the forest, check your state's rules for camping.

Can I build my own fire?
Depends on the rules. I'd stick with a site that already has a fire ring if you dont know what you're doing.

Why is this so difficult?!
Sounds like you're starting way to extreme. Look for a regional park or state park that has a reservable site. If you're wanting more remote, look for walk-in or cart in sites.

That’s all gonna be specific to the campsite you’re going to
The adventure pass is probably your pass you for for that if I had to guess would allow you access to the campsite as well as some addition things on site
You’d probably pay the forest rangers who should have an HQ on site
Again that would be site specific, I would check the website to see about parking, it may be included if you’re paying for a spot or there may be group parking that may be free
I would imagine you’d be able to make your own fire but I would look online or ask a ranger first
(If there’s a fire pit on your camp site then definitely yes tho)

It’s a pain, but I’d check to see if the forest your going to has a website with some of their policies

You have to have an adventure pass to park anywhere on the mountain pass besides campgrounds which usually have their own parking