Warning: These are the 9 worst cover photos of motorhome sites

Erik van Laar

As the manager of a motorhome site, you know that first impressions are crucial when it comes to whether a motorhomer decides to click through to your page or not. It is mainly the cover photo that attracts or repels a potential visitor. Yet some motorhome sites still don't seem to realize this. The result: motorhomers keep on scrolling.

We will show you nine examples of unfortunate cover photos on Campercontact and we will explain how you can maintain complete control over the presentation of your campsite or motorhome stopover.

1. Upside down

An image that has been rotated 180 degrees is simply confusing. The photo itself may be fine, but the presentation causes irritation. A rotated photo conveys sloppiness and raises doubt: if you don't take the time to present your site properly, what does that say about the quality of your services?

2. A bare patch of asphalt

It is of course very nice for motorhomers to know that your site offers a solid surface, but this photo gives a very grey and cold impression. This photo shows no facilities, no atmosphere and no reason to stay. The image does not invite people to click on it.

3. Photo in bad weather

Sunny photos immediately create a pleasant feeling. This photo does the exact opposite. People in rain gear do not evoke a holiday vibe and be careful not to make people recognisable in your photos.

4. Toilet building

Yes, sanitary facilities are important, but not attractive as a cover photo. Show them as a supporting detail, not as the main image. Right now, the motorhomer has no idea what your site actually looks like and will scroll on to a motorhome spot with a better presentation.

5. Payment machine

This is actually a very useful photo: it's good to know that guests can refill their water here and how they pay for it, but it shouldn't be your first photo. There are surely more appealing images you could show first.

6. Blurry

This is a great seaside location, but the image is blurry. That's a shame, because a good photo would immediately attract attention. Visitors want clarity – literally and figuratively.

7. Tents

It looks quite cosy, but these are not motorhomes. People who travel with a motorhome are usually not interested in camping in a tent. So make sure your photos reflect that. Instead, show a nice motorhome so motorhomers can envision themselves there.

8. Logo as cover photo

There is nothing wrong with this logo. It appears to represent an overnight spot in a wooded area. But as you can see, based on this image, a potential visitor does not know what to expect. With so many other options out there, the risk of scrolling past is very high.

9. A price list

Of course, you want to provide a transparent overview of your rates. But again, motorhomers first want to know what your site looks like. A price list as a photo is fine (as long as your rates don't change often of course), but it shouldn't be the first thing they see.

[Bonus] Shop

Is this the Carrefour? The E.LeClerc or the Lidl? No, it's a campsite shop. Although many campsites would love to have such a well-stocked shop, it's better to choose another photo that shows more of the surroundings or motorhome spots.

Keep control over your presentation

On Campercontact, users can upload their own photos of motorhome sites. This is great, of course, because enthusiastic visitors often share beautiful images. Unfortunately, the opposite sometimes happens as well. Holidaymakers are not always professional photographers, so photos can sometimes give a completely wrong inpression of a location.

As the manager of a campsite or motorhome stopover, it is wise to take charge of how your site is presented. This increases the chance that Campercontact visitors become your visitors too.

Fortunately, this is very easy: with a visibility package from Campercontact, you keep control over the first photos that visitors see. The first 10 to 15 photos are always selected by you, ensuring a strong first impression. Do you have a nice video? You can show that too!

How do you take good photos? Our tips:

  1. Use natural daylight: Preferably take photos in bright daylight, for example in the morning or late afternoon. The soft light at these times of day creates warm, inviting images. Avoid harsh midday sun, which causes strong shadows, or dark hours when everything looks gloomy.
  2. Show both overview and details: Start with a white shot that shows the entire site, including its setting, space and atmosphere. Then add close-ups of facilities such as sanitary facilities, power points or service areas. This gives visitors a complete and realistic picture.
  3. Keep things tidy: Tidy up the site before taking photos. Remove stray objects, straighten trash bins and make sure the grass is mowed. A well-kept appearance increases confidence in your site.
  4. Choose the right angle: Take photos at eye level and ensure a straight, stable composition. Avoid drone shots or extreme angles that do not reflect what visitors will actually experience on site.
  5. Show space, not just motorhomes: A motorhome in front of the lens is fine, but be sure to show the surrounding area s well. Alternate photos with and without motorhomes so that visitors can get a good impression of the space and atmosphere.
  6. Tell a visual story: Use photos to tell the story of your site. Are you surrounded by nature, close to a city or by a lake? Show it! Also highlight unique features, like a field of flowers, a place to relax or a great view.
  7. Respect the privacy of others: Wait until no people are visible before taking photos, or ensure they are not recognizable. This is not only polite, it also prevents complaints or requests for removal.
  8. Use horizontal images: Horizontal photos (landscape mode) provide a more complete picture of your site and are displayed better in the Campercontact app and on the website. Avoid portrait mode.
  9. Ensure high quality: Use a good quality camera or smartphone. Photos must be sharp, clear and well-lit. Avoid grainy or blurry images: these do not inspire confidence in potential guests.

Good cover photo = good first impression

A good cover photo invites motorhomers to click through and visit your site. A wrong photo, however, will scare off potential guests. You risk losing valuable bookings. So make sure you present your campsite or motorhome stopover in an attractive, clear and professional way.

Choose a visibility package from Campercontact and take control of your image yourself.