An RV service business opened its first area retail store in Surfside Beach this week.

Camping Connection, which bought Grand Strand RV in June 2010, opened a 22,000-square-foot store in the former Harris Teeter off U.S. 17 Business across from the south entrance to Ocean Lakes Family Campground.

The store sells all types of RV supplies, parts and accessories including awnings, satellites, air conditioning units and housewares. A surplus section is expected to open in the store by the end of October, owner Rob Cochran said.

The company’s service center remains on S.C. 707 between Big Block Road and Holmestown Road.

But Cochran wanted a store closer to the string of mega campgrounds: Ocean Lakes, Lakewood Camping Resort and PirateLand Family Camping Resort. The store is close enough to Ocean Lakes that guests can get there by golf cart.

Cochran said he wanted to move the service hub near the store, but couldn’t find a spot that would work.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, though Cochran is considering staying open later if demand warrants. Camping Connection also has a small store in the Orlando area.

Contact DAWN BRYANT at 626-0296 or at dbryant@thesunnews.com or follow her at Twitter.com/TSN_dawnbryant.