During his career in equestrian show jumping Carlos Campos won multiple titles at international competitions, Grand Prix, and Nations Cups. By 1970 Campos was serving at the military centre in Mafra, Portugal, where he had reached the rank of colonel. Two years later he was part of the Portuguese equestrian delegation that competed at the 1972 München Olympics where he finished in 13th place in both the individual and team competitions. From 1989 to 1992 Campos was a member of the technical council of the Portuguese Equestrian Federation.