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.
