Ron- last time I tried to buy minners there was a bait shop just east of the damn on the south side by the Mound Valley boat ramp. Its in a building at a persons house. Not a great count. There has to be somewhere in Parsons just not sure where.

As for a hotel, Parsons is your best bet. It's 15 min from there to the Timber Hill Boat ramp. Sleep inn is right off 400 and 59 hwy that you would get on to go to the lake. Wal Mart is also basically across the street along with a gas station. You might just ask about outlets hooking your batteries up. We noticed this place on our bass tourney trip in April. It's newer so I am sure the price is higher than others but it keeps you from pulling the boat all the way in town like wear did. We stayed at the Cantebury Inn next to Braums and the had outlets to use with the rooms in the back and room to keep the boat hooked to the truck. It was about $50 a night. Cheap and ok for just sleeping. There is also a Best Western and Super 8.

Good luck! I have never had much time focused on crappie at Big Hill. As Fuzzy said there are always boats at the bridge and I have done best in the bridge area but nothing that I would say is a must try.