Campbell Cove Dam
Campbell Cove Dam is an earth dam located in Polk County, Tennessee, built in 1963. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Campbell Cove Dam
The primary purpose of Campbell Cove Dam is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Copper Basin Utility District (local government). It impounds the Deweese Creek near Ducktown.
The dam stands 77 feet tall and stretches 402 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 68 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 2,485 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1 square miles. Completed in 1963, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 05/05/2025.
At 77 feet, this dam is taller than 97% of all dams in the United States.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Tennessee dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Tennessee |
| County | Polk |
| Nearest City | Ducktown |
| River/Stream | Deweese Creek |
| Coordinates | 35.07333, -84.39667 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 77 ft |
| Dam Length | 402 ft |
| Year Completed | 1963 (63 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 2,485 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 2,485 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,492 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 68 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | Copper Basin Utility District |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 05/05/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | TN13907 |
| Federal ID | TN13907 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |