Camping with one adult and one child

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Would this be miserable and impossible to set up with a 9 year old?

I've not done it with one child but done it with a 9 and 6 year old and we've had a ball though. 9 year old happy to help (6 year old less so). They are 9 and 12 now and dynamic remains the same but we've always had a fab time. Obviously helps if it's something DC will muck in and enjoy rather than moan though

No, it needn’t be. Go to a family friendly campsite where your 9yo can make friends with similar aged children, and practice pitching and packing before you go. What kit do you have?

Easy and not miserable, 9 is old enough to help hold things down so a reasonable ( not big but not backpacking size either) sized tent can be put up
( anything will be miserable to some people)

I set up with ds 12. At 9 he helped hold the poles and set up.
I'd be more concerned about bordem in the evenings which is why we usually go with friends. Alternatively choose a family campsite where he can make friends.

I did it with a 4 year old, tricky but not impossible. I've taught 9 year olds to put up tents by themselves so you should be fine. Go for a dry run in the garden or park on a still day so you both know how the tent goes together in case it's windy when you go. You can even colour code the poles with the hole with little labels.
If you need help there normally someone willing to lend a hand on the campsite.

As DD was so small and I didn't want to leave her or be traipsing around the campsite at night I took a potty for night wees lined with a bag and some cat litter.
At 9 I wouldn't mind nipping out though.

Apacket of glows ticks from amazon are super handy for the evening as you can make a necklace and see where they are. I then attached them to the sleeping compartment zipper as a nightlight and to see where the zip was.

If you are taking a car - For DD and me we have a 4 man tent with a porch/ living compartment and a double folding camp bed. We don't bother with sleeping bags if we are in the car and take a fitted sheet and a double duvet.
A double folding camped makes a huge difference to comfort and has room to store things underneath, a picnic blanket as carpet also helps improve comfort.

We have roughed it before, with a small tent, roll mats and sleeping bags when we've been hiking and it's a much less enjoyable experience in terms of sleeping.

I went to one in Norfolk where the tent was already built. It had communism fridges, sink, BBQ etc

it was still inexpensive even had mattresses. Absolutely perfect so there may be something gir you.

I think it would be fine if you had the right stuff.
We have a blow up tent with electric pump that I can put up myself in about 15min.
Also a really comfy blow up bed, again electric pump.
If you took some board games and cards for the evening and some good books I think you'd have a great time.