Cambelll Slemp was born on December 2, 1838 at Turkey Cove (Seminary) in Lee County. He attended Emory and Henry College and later had a livestock operation in Turkey Cove. During the Civil War, Campbell served in the Confederate Army as Captain and Lieutenant Colonel of the 21st Virginia Battalion and Colonel of the 64th Regiment.

Campbell Slemp was initially a member of the House of Delegates from 1879-1882. Campbell was allied with the Democratic Party until 1880, when he changed to the Republican party. He was an unsuccessful Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor in 1889. He was elected to 58th, 59th and 60th Congresses, serving from March 4, 1903 until his death on October 13, 1907. His son, Campbell Bascom Slemp, was elected to fill his term.