My name is David & I am 63 years old. Looking for a good camp site to retire to near to Benidorm.

Some  camping 🏕  sites are more  expensive  to   live in than Apartment  and  some have strict  conditions  attached  to  them.

Hi David.

The question has been asked a lot of times here on the forum.

Quite a few variables….. proximity to centre/quietness/facilities/bus route/pets allowed etc.

We prefer Camping Raco up by the Benidorm Palace but that’s purely a personal choice and we do not live there full time, we stay a few months per year in our motorhome on our annual 6 months migration.

Investigate your status regarding staying more than 90 days & requirements attached, it’s not as easy now for non EU passport holders.

Here is a list of topics where “campsites & Benidorm” are discussed, good luck with your move. 
https://www.costablancaforum.com/search/?page=1&q=Camp+site&search_output=topics&search_forumid=0&search_areaid=19

Hi,

Even as an Irish passport holder you will still need to register your presence with the Local Police and sign the foreigners register within the first 90 days of arrival in Benidorm. You will need to prove an income and show you have your healthcare covered. Here is a link that will explain everything:

https://upsticks.es/residency-in-spain-for-irish-passport-holders-all-you-need-to-know/amp/

There are many camp sites here in Benidorm and several others on the outskirts. Some are close to bus stops and others where you will need transport to get anywhere. Check out your personal requirements first and compare to the sites. As said,  some sites have very strict rules which you need to understand. Apartments which are much closer to the expat areas and closer to the town centre etc can even work out cheaper than renting a static. 

Steve 

That is one positive aspect of campsite life for us, that's the community and friendships that form.

We've made lifelong friends whom we are in contact with and end up meeting up each year when we are over, so if you're hospitable and friendly then naturally people evolve and come into your circle of friends, so I believe that comes naturally.

On the other hand it could well be different if you were living there full-time, it may become a little too tight and you could end up living in each others pockets!, its difficult to know.

We depart here Thursday the 14th September and sail to Santander and onwards to the Algarve ending up in Benidorm for December/January and possibly February.

A  good honest  analysis  👌.  I  like  your  trip  and  touring  plans.  Enjoy 😉  them

You only live once 

Best 👌 wishes 

I've checked "mobile home" life in Spain, firstly the mobile home costs about 20 to 30 thousand to buy and then you have about 200 to 400 euros a month pitch fees in mobile home parks, granted they have all kinds of facilities but prices are ridiculous! And if you rent a mobile home plus the pitch fees you pay more than renting a flat!

Alternatively buy a few acres of land and you're allowed to park your own mobile home on it without legal issues as long as it's a "Mobile home" and able to move. But then I wouldn't leave it standing for a month unattended. Spain is notorious for squatters and burglars, they'd nick the entire home while I'm away!

There are plenty of affordable apartments available in and around Benidorm centre which also has great community spirit especially when we all gather within the grounds and pool. Then you can also have total privacy if required........

2 bed apartments can be cheaper than campsites and without the restrictions. 

Each to their own and I'm sure you will find which suits you best.

Steve 

Thank you for replying to my post tebo53, but I do NOT want to retire to an apartment.  I do understand that campsites are maybe more expensive what with monthly or yearly ground pitch fees, but I have for past 20-30 years been holidaying to Benidorm and past 5 years especially, I have holidayed on these campsites and loved it.  In my honest opinion, campsites are much more community spirited, closely knitted & much more friendly.  Living in a rented apartment, one can be locked away from people so to speak, whereas on a campsite one has people close to you and next door, they can walk by your pitch/plot and greet you and say hello, good morning or whatever.  That would never happen in an apartment behind a closed/Locked door.

One can make friends better on a camp-site, but again living in a closed apartment would not allow one to do that.  I am a very  sociable person but if one is in a locked apartment, what chance is there?

We all have different wants, needs & visions of a happy retirement, and mine is to be part of a close knit community.  I again thank you tebo53 for replying to my post tebo53.

David

Buy or rent a house / apartment, there are great expat communities outwith these campsites mate. I was astounded on research how much more expensive and restrictive the campsites option was. Ultimately it’s down to your personal preference and own priorities but if like me you want facilities and friends, company and activities, easy going life then NO to campsites.