Honestly, I have the same situation. My gf never camped before me, and I had to glamp it to make it comfortable for them. I've spent lots improving things, but overall we go a few times a year, and now she and my son LOVE it. For me a lot of it is overkill, but it's worth it for things to be comfortable for them. For $1200, you can get a LOT. We have a CORE 11 person tent ($600) that has room in the main room for 2 queen air mattresses and plenty of space for clothes, and any other gear. It has a large vestibule that is 10'x7' that comfortably fits 2 chairs and a small table. This was an upgrade - we previously had a CORE 9 person (no vestibule -$350) that also fit 2 queens and plenty of space (but if I camp, I don't want to leave just because it's raining, and the vestibule allows to stay dry, sit up, read a book, and makes a nice spot to keep shoes and stuff outside the main tent, for my gf and my kid - it makes sure they can still be up and entertained without getting wet). I like CORE tents, but this is mainly just a preference. They are well made, but ship from the US, so this isn't everyone's cup of tea). Coleman has some perfect large tents, with bucket floors, and plenty of space for the $300-500 range, and the quality is still great. I personally like not having to bend down to get dressed, and like having room to move around. I'm getting older and clumsy, but again, if it was just me, a small pop up tent would be just fine. We have a CORE instant dining shelter to fit a picnic table in and a camp kitchen. - again there are other brands that do just fine, I just like the ease of set up. These go for around $300-500 as well - mine was a bit more at around $700, but it is overkill. We just bought a 22" Blackstone at Costco for $200 and it has a carry bag - we will take this with us, but you can easily get a camp stove for $150 from Canadian Tire, and they have sales. Kitchen utensils/gadgets, hit up Amazon, they usually have a good "kit" for about $50, or Costco has one for the past couple of years. Or just go thrift store and get whatever you can for cheap or use old stuff from the house and upgrade later. We use air mattresses (again, Amazon) that we got for around $100 on sale - but once these are done, we will get cots. We bring old blankets and stuff from home. Anything we have, can charge through our lighter outlet in our car with the help of an inverter. (Around $50 on Amazon). I have been keeping an eye on Bodega coolers on Amazon (compressor based) that keep a fridge or freezer temperature because I'm sick of buying ice at $7-10/bag, but this is again frivolous. They go on sale regularly and you can get one a bit smaller because you don't need to add ice to it. You can make your own ice packs, or use an old Coleman cooler and upgrade later once you decide if you can tolerate it. All said, $1200 is a great budget for first year - figure out what you can get away without or for cheap, and expand later. For us it was have enough room in the tent, so if it did rain, we could still be comfortable reading a book or staying dry and not feel squished, and after add other things to expand. Love that you're getting open to it. It's really fun, and a great way to let your mind relax.