David Campbell was born on August 2, 1779 at Royal Oak (now Smyth County) and grew up at Hallis Bottom in Washington County. His education was limited to what a frontier settlement could provide. At age 15, he was appointed ensign in Captain John Davis' company of militia. He later studied law and was licensed, but never practiced.

In 1802, he was appointed Deputy Clerk of Washington County Court. He served until 1812, when he was commissioned a Major in the U.S. Army's 12th Regiment of Infantry. His distinguished military service led to his appointment as General of the 3rd Brigade of the Virginia Militia in 1815. In 1824, he was elected Clerk of the Court for Washington County. He remained Clerk until 1837, when he was elected Clerk of the Court for Washington County. He remained Clerk until 1837, when he was elected Governor. Governor Campbell, in his first message to the General Assembly, proposed the establishment of a common, or public, school system.