Parks on the Air
Combining amateur radio with the great outdoors - discover local parks perfect for portable operations.
What is Parks on the Air?
Parks on the Air (POTA) is the world's largest amateur radio awards program with 18,000+ eligible parks worldwide and over 325,000 participants. Activate parks to earn awards or hunt activators from home.
Activate Parks
Set up your portable station in a park and make minimum 10 QSOs within a single UTC day for a valid activation. Submit ADIF log to earn awards.
Hunt Activators
Work park activations from your home station. No log submission required for hunters - track progress automatically and earn hunter awards.
Earn Awards
Bronze to Diamond levels (10-50 parks), then advanced awards up to 20,000 parks. Special awards for DX, rovers, and geographic achievements.
Local POTA Parks
Discover excellent portable operating locations near Chambersburg and Franklin County.
Caledonia State Park
US-1337Historic 1,125-acre park where the Appalachian Trail passes through. Features the historic Thaddeus Stevens Blacksmith Shop and excellent facilities for portable operations.
Mont Alto State Park
US-138624-acre park with pavilions and picnic areas. Located on South Mountain
Pine Grove Furnace State Park
US-1398Historic iron furnace site with two lakes and the famous Appalachian Trail General Store.
Cowans Gap State Park
US-1346Beautiful 1,085-acre mountain park with 42-acre lake. Located in Fulton County with excellent elevation for propagation and peaceful surroundings.
POTA Equipment Guide
Essential gear and tips for successful park activations.
Essential Equipment
Radio & Antenna
Portable transceiver, end-fed wire or vertical antenna, antenna tuner
Power System
12V battery, solar panel (optional), power meter, fuses
Logging
Paper log or tablet/laptop, logging software, pen/pencil
Comfort Items
Folding table/chair, umbrella/shade, water, snacks
Band & Mode Recommendations
HF Bands
20m for daytime DX and North America, 40m for reliable all-day coverage, 80m for evening regional contacts
VHF/UHF
2m/70cm for simplex contacts and local communications
Digital Modes
FT8, FT4, PSK31 work well with QRP power levels
More Local Parks & State Forests
Antietam Battlefield
US-0648Historic Civil War battlefield with wide open fields. 25 miles from Chambersburg.
Buchanan's Birthplace State Park
US-1336Historic birthplace of President James Buchanan with peaceful grounds and picnic areas. 15 miles from Chambersburg.
Pine Grove Furnace State Park
US-1398Historic iron furnace site with lakes and the famous Appalachian Trail General Store. 25 miles from Chambersburg.
Michaux State Forest
US-547185,000-acre state forest spanning Adams and Franklin counties with diverse terrain, trails, and numerous activation opportunities from forest roads to mountain peaks.
Buchanan State Forest
US-5463Large state forest covering parts of Bedford, Fulton, and Franklin counties with diverse terrain and multiple access points. 30+ miles from Chambersburg.
POTA Resources
Official Resources
Helpful Tools
Ready to Start Your POTA Journey?
Join thousands of amateur radio operators combining their love of radio with the great outdoors.