I need internet and wifi but it's complicated

I find this thread informative but a little over my head, which is bad for a former IT person. (years ago) I want to be able to connect to WiFi at campgrounds/rest stops/etc. Since most WiFi I have come across are not protected, I was considering a VPN. What do others use when RVing. I have an old Linksys router on hand. I hard lined it up to my laptop and setup the routers name, password etc. My phone sees the router, I enter the password when prompted and it appears to take the password as there are no error messages. When I select the router again, it gives me the option to connect. No matter how often I try connecting, it never really connects. I assume because I'm not really hooked to the internet?? Any suggestions?